CALGARY (CBC) - Sixteen cats and three dogs died in a house fire in northeast Calgary on Friday evening that also sent one woman to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

A neighbour who saw smoke coming from the bi-level house on San Fernando Crescent N.E. called 911. Fire crews quickly extinguished a fire in the basement, said Deb Bergeson, a spokeswoman for the Calgary Fire Department.

Two people left the home safely but one woman was taken to hospital. The 28 animals inside the home were exposed to heavy smoke, said Bergeson Friday.

Fire crews were able to save seven dogs and two cats. In April, specialized equipment including oxygen masks for dogs and cats were added to all fire trucks. In May, the department began training all firefighters in pet CPR.

"They did perform CPR on one of the cats, and brought it back," said acting battalion Chief Rob Horsburgh on Friday.

Farzana Kanji, who lives next to the home, told CBC News she wasn't surprised to learn how many pets were living next door because her neighbour works at a veterinary clinic.

There are no bylaws restricting the number of animals allowed in a home, but bylaw officers are looking into how they were cared for.

An older-style radio apparently overheated as a result of inadequate ventilation, said Bergeson. Damage from the fire is estimated at $80,000.

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