 The basement resident grabbed a ladder from outside and placed it by the bedroom window so the three stuck inside could escape. The cat, who had made it outside, jumped from the owner's arms and ran back into the building where he was later found deceased. Fire officials say the home's smoke alarms were removed or disabled at the time due to painting. The fire is believed to have started with a freezer motor. The family of four was displaced but not injured. The cat is being called a hero.