FRANKLIN, Tenn. -
Two Franklin men were able to escape an early morning mobile home fire on Thursday without injury.
The homeowner reported to authorities he was awakened by his cat just after 3 a.m. and discovered the fire burning through the rear door of his home and extending into the residence.
The man, his feline and roommate escaped through the home's front door.
"Had the fire continued burning a minute longer, at least one of the occupants would have been trapped in his bedroom and only had a window to use for escape," said Franklin Fire Marshal Andy King.
Authorities reported a single smoke alarm in the mobile home did not activate because the wires had been cut and the battery had been removed.
In an attempt to put out the blaze, the homeowner used a garden hose prior to the fire department's arrival, which helped limit destruction.
Officials said the home, located in the Franklin Estates Mobile Home Park at 700 West Meade Boulevard, was not insured.
The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the homeowner and his roommate.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, though King said fireworks cannot be ruled out.
They estimated the home suffered around $5,000 in damage.
