SOAP LAKE - Fire officials are investigating the cause of a house fire that did heavy damage to a Soap Lake home over the weekend.

On Sunday about 3 p.m., crews with Grant County Fire District 7 joined the Soap Lake and Ephrata fire departments in responding to the fire at a three-bedroom, split-level home on First Avenue Northeast and Fern Street North.

As of Monday evening, the exact cause of the fire was still under investigation by a Spokane fire investigation service contracted by Soap Lake Fire, according to Fire District 7 Chief Kirk Sheppard.

Officials with the Soap Lake Fire Department did not respond to calls for comment prior to press time.

Sheppard said the fire apparently started on the back porch of the residence and spread under the eves of the house, entering into the roof of the structure where it smoldered.

Firefighters entered the home and hacked away some sheet rock to gain access to the burn. They managed to confine the fire to the roof, but Sheppard said there was heavy smoke and water damage to the main living area and items contained within the house.

Nobody was seriously injured in the fire, although one man reportedly suffered an asthma attack and was administered oxygen at the scene.

Sheppard said several cats and kittens were rescued from inside and around the structure. One cat inside the home was "lethargic," when found but reportedly was revived when fire crews gave the animal oxygen.

About 30 to 35 fire personnel responded to the fire, according to Sheppard.