CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Two people were taken to the hospital and three cats were found dead after an apartment fire Wednesday morning in east Charlotte.

According to the Charlotte Fire Department, firefighters were called to an apartment complex on Spanish Quarter Circle just after 3:30 a.m. When they arrived, they saw no visible signs of smoke or fire from the outside of the building. However, they noticed a strong odor of smoke, which prompted an investigation.

Using thermal imaging cameras, firefighters said they identified a positive reading in the apartment, confirming the presence of fire. The fire was quickly found and extinguished, preventing further damage to the apartment and neighboring units.

During a search of the apartment, firefighters found two people who were treated on the scene before being taken to the hospital for further care. Three cats were also found dead within the apartment.

The fire was contained to the apartment, and no other units in the building were damaged. All other residents of the apartment building were able to safely return to their homes.