Fire chief: Several cats died in York fire that killed homeowner

Several cats died in the fire Wednesday morning in York that also claimed the life of the 71-year-old homeowner.

William Lawrence Gregory was killed in the fire that spread quickly through the home on Lakeview Drive.

York firefighters tried to find Gregory, but they had to retreat because of the intensity of the flames.

When crews went back into the home after the smoke and flames cleared, they also found several dead cats, said Fire Chief Domenic Manera.

The pets had been kept on the back porch. Investigators believe Gregory was on his way out of the home behind his wife when he went to open the door to the porch.

“He went to open the door to give them a chance to get out of the room that caught fire,” Manera said. None of the cats survived.

Authorities also found several firearms in the home. Gregory is believed to be ex-military.

Rock Hill Police Department’s explosive team sent a robot into the home to inspect the items.

The cause of the fire is ruled undetermined, Manera said Wednesday night. Investigators said it started in the back porch area of the home, where there was a lot of electrical equipment and an HVAC unit. There is no evidence to suggest foul play.

Gregory’s wife is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Fire chief: Several cats died in York fire that killed homeowner."