Grey’s Anatomy star Caterina Scorsone has said she saved her three children from a fire that destroyed their home.
The Canadian-American actress, known for playing Dr Amelia Shepherd in the ABC medical drama, told her Instagram followers the blaze had also led to the deaths of their four pets.
The 41-year-old shared a series of photos showing the damage to their living room, alongside images of the animals, and said the incident happened a number of months ago.
Scorsone wrote: “While getting my kids ready for bed and finishing bath time, smoke began to seep up through the grout around the tub. When I looked down the hallway a river of thick black smoke had already formed and was filling the house.
“One thing about fires: they happen fast. I had about two minutes to get my three kids out of the house, and we escaped with less than shoes on our feet. But we got out. And for that I am eternally grateful.
“Heartbreakingly, we lost all four of our pets. We are still sitting with that loss, but we are lucky we got to love them at all.”
The actress said her post was not about the fire but instead about “community”.
“This is a love letter to the incredible people that showed up and the incredible ways that they did,” she added.
“Thank you to the firefighters and the investigators (thank you Trey!) Thank you to my neighbor who answered our frantic knocks at her door.”
She also thanked the parents at her children’s school who sent toys and books, her co-stars from Grey’s Anatomy and its production company, Shondaland, who offered clothing and supplies, and her sisters who flew in to “handle logistics”.
Scorsone said she had learnt “the only thing that matters is community”, adding: “We would not be here without it and we are so grateful. Thank you.”
Among those posting messages of support were Jake Borelli, who played Dr Levi Schmitt in Grey’s Anatomy, and Camilla Luddington, who played Dr Jo Wilson.
Grey’s Anatomy focuses on the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital as they develop into seasoned doctors while balancing personal and professional relationships.
The series is the longest-running scripted primetime show currently airing on US network ABC, and the longest scripted primetime series carried by ABC.