At least 30 cats died in the fire in this house in Toronto's west end.At least 30 cats died in the fire in this house in Toronto's west end. (CBC)

At least 30 cats and one dog died after a fire broke out in a home in Toronto on Wednesday.

Toronto Fire Services Capt. Mike Strapko said officials received a call to Burnfield Avenue for a two-alarm fire that began around 1:30 p.m.

Two people inside the home escaped unharmed but the animals died of smoke inhalation.

It's believed there were about 40 cats living inside the home near Dupont and Ossington Streets.

Some of the animals survived, while others are unaccounted for.

Strapko says the fire originated in the basement of the home.