Springfield, Vt. — An elderly couple was displaced from their Springfield home late Tuesday night after a fire broke out in their basement.

Firefighters responded to Overlook Drive around 9:45 p.m. for a report of heavy smoke coming from Kenneth and Mary Skillen’s residence.

“As the crew arrived in the area, the smoke was so thick it was difficult to identify the appropriate driveway,” Springfield Fire Chief Russ Thompson said in a news release issued Wednesday.

Upon their arrival, firefighters raised the call to a second alarm and then worked to extinguish the fire, which was primarily in the basement-area but also extended into the first floor.

The home suffered fire, heat and heavy smoke damage throughout, the chief said.

No one was injured in the blaze, but one of the homeowners was transported to Springfield Hospital for precautionary reasons.

One of the Skillen’s two pet cats perished in the fire.

The American Red Cross responded to the Skillen’s home Tuesday night to aid them in the immediate aftermath of the fire.

“Volunteers have met with the residents and have ensured everyone has a safe place to sleep and has food, clothing and other essentials,” Red Cross Spokesman for Vermont and New Hampshire Dan Brown said in an email.

Volunteers plan to keep in contact with the couple in the coming days, he said.

The Skillen’s had working smoke detectors.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Russ said.

Vermont State Police Fire Investigator Steve Otis has been brought in to investigate. A message left for Otis on Wednesday wasn’t returned.

Jordan Cuddemi can be reached at jcuddemi@vnews.com or 603-727-3248.