A blaze tore through a Hopkinton home midday Monday, severely damaging an 1890s house with a two-story garage and taking the life of one cat. 

When fire officials arrived on scene at 105 Park Avenue around 11 a.m., heavy smoke was billowing from the attic of the home and the front porch was engulfed by flames, said Hopkinton Fire Chief Jeff Yale. Crews from across the region were still putting out hot spots as of 1 p.m., knocking down gutters and peeling back the roof of the home. 

The two occupants of the house, James and Margaret Cook, both in their 60s, were not injured in the fire. Three of their four cats survived and were transported to local veterinarians for treatment due to smoke inhalation and oxygen deprivation. The animals received oxygen treatment on scene ahead of transport.  

A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire likely originated on the front exterior porch of the home, Yale said, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

The three-story home, which is located next to the Hopkinton post office, included a garage, which also suffered damage. The home itself appeared to be a total loss and the residents have been displaced due to structural damage caused by the fire, water damage and smoke damage. 

The home, which sits on 1.36 acres of land, was assessed this year by the town at $463,000 and includes six bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. 

The Hopkinton Fire Department was assisted by Concord, Hillsboro, Allenstown, Weare, Bow, Henniker, Dunbarton, Salis bury, Pembr oke, Bradfo rd and Warner fire departments. 

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