Saline firefighters save 3 pets, but 1 cat killed in house fire
Saline firefighters rescued three unresponsive pets and attempted to save a fourth when a rental home on West Michigan Avenue near the Saline River caught fire this afternoon, officials said.
One cat and two dogs are reportedly recovering at a local veterinary clinic and will remain there for observation and treatment for smoke inhalation, said Saline Area Fire Chief Craig Hoeft. One cat died in the blaze.
“One pet didn’t make it, but by the time the others left the scene, it sounded like they were doing very well,” Hoeft said.
Firefighters found three of the animals grouped together amid the thick smoke on the first floor of the two-story rental property in the 600 block of West Michigan Avenue shortly after 2 p.m. Hoeft said a neighbor working outside smelled smoke and called 911.
Saline firefighters rescued several pets from a fire Friday afternoon.
Art Aisner | For AnnArbor.com
Firefighters found heavy smoke pouring from the first floor when they arrived and quickly learned from neighbors that no one was home. To be sure, two separate crews went into the structure, while others tamed the fire with multiple hoses from outside.
Firefighters found three of the animals under a couch on the first floor, and they were unresponsive, Hoeft said. A large dog was found on the second floor, also unresponsive. Firefighters pulled them out, and paramedics with Huron Valley Ambulance immediately began resuscitating the animals.
“They were able to get oxygen masks on and totally revived them. It was really a tremendous job,” Hoeft said.
The department is equipped with oxygen masks designed for animal rescues, but did not use them since the standard masks for people appeared to be doing the job.
Officials contacted the residents, who were at work when the fire started. The family could not be reached by AnnArbor.com.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze within 20 minutes and remained on the scene for two hours to make sure the fire was doused, Hoeft said. The blaze originated in a first-floor bedroom and was contained there, but the cause wasn't known this evening.
Damage estimates weren't available, but Hoeft said there was significant smoke and water damage throughout.
The westbound lane of Michigan Avenue was shut down for several hours, leading to heavy traffic backups downtown.
The Washtenaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting three residents with housing and other immediate needs.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
labtech
Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
That's odd... The way I saw it, the medic from HVA saved the pets. You'd think someone from SAFD would have corrected this instead of once again taking all the credit for something they didn't do.
jb04
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.
Yesterday I went to Dr.Ramine's vet office and met the poor lady whose house was burnt down,she was picking up her dog- what a sad and frightening thing that happen to her and her pets,luckily the Saline firer fighters helped to save three of her pets, she said that she was now trying to find a place to stay,hopefully they find out who started the firer and stop them from hurting someone else.
RJA
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.
This story was a tear jerker for me. All of the above mentioned are heros that work for the Public Safety Of All Citizens. Not to mention the fact that they put their own lives on the line to save others. Most probably have familys and pets of their own, yet they reach out. I not only thank the Fire Fighters, Emt's, Police Officers, HVA, the American Red Cross but the neighbor that smelled the smoke and called 911. I agree with m&c, anytime you see a fire fighter tell them Thank You! Better yet, if you see them dining in Saline, pick up the tab. After (Ricky) was killed in the med-flight in Lk. Michigan. I saw 2 firemen shopping for snacks to take to the station. I handed them a $20. (it just made my heart feel good) They didn't know I was Ricky's moms best friend. Many thanks also to those that rescued the pets. I have 4 pets, and call them my kids. (they are family).
FireTimes
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.
Good job to everyone involved! The recent rash of fires across all of Washtenaw County should hopefully give everyone a reason to recheck your smoke detector status, and make have another family talk about exit plans. Not sure? Call your local Fire Department and ask away!
rrt911
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
This instantly brings tears to my eyes. What a wonderful crew of firefighters. Please know that these kinds of actions will NEVER be forgotten, bless your big ole' hearts!!!
chapmaja
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.
I agree Thanks SAFD anf HVA for saving the animals. It's unfortunate that the 4th didn't make it, but 3 out of 4 is a pretty good save any day.
Chandelle
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Thank goodness they were able to save the 3 dogs, it is sad about the cat :( We moved from that house last year...
FredMax
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
Anyone that goes into a burning house and rescues cats and dogs is a hero in my mind:)
kay
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
I am so impressed---to know that these firefighters were able to revive these family dogs is a miracle. They must have known how much a family pet means to a family, and in this case--this particular family. Sad about the cat though. Thank you to all firefighters!!!!!!
Salinemary
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 4:18 a.m.
Thanks to the firefighters and the EMT's for the rescue of 3 of the pets. And thanks for trying to save the 4th one. I'm grateful to live in this community and proud of our fire department.
lisam
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:28 a.m.
Good job HVA!!!!!!!