A duplex in Round Hill is destroyed by fire on Dec. 31. Photo/Provided

Two dogs and a cat died New Year’s Eve in a residential fire in Round Hill.

Tahoe Douglas firefighters arrived at about 8pm Dec. 31 to a duplex on McFall Way that was engulfed in flames. No people were inside the side that was burning.

The neighbors on the adjoining unit smelled smoke, saw the flames and then called 911.

Crews were able to stop the flames from spreading. It took about 20 minutes to knock down the fire.

“The exterior is standing. Basically it is just a shell,” Eric Guevin with Tahoe Douglas fire told Lake Tahoe News.

One unit was completely destroyed by the fire, while smoke, water and fire ruined the other side.

The two families consisting of six people – all full-time residents –  are being helped by Red Cross.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report