Smoke detectors alert family to escape Niles fire

NILES — Smoke detectors alerted Warren Avenue residents of a fire spreading through their house just after midnight today.

One resident, Beverly Begalla, jumped from a roof to escape the flames, fire reports said. John Begalla was on the roof when firefighters arrived and was helped down.

Firefighters said they could see flames and heavy smoke through the first-floor windows when they arrived.

A police officer kicked in the front door in an attempt to rescue pets in the home at 344 Warren Ave. but was unsuccessful. Two dogs, a cat and numerous fish died.

Firefighters said the home suffered significant damage and was boarded up. A neighboring home at 336 Warren Ave. also was damaged. The state fire marshal’s office was called in to determine the cause of the fire.