Firefighters rescue 9 dogs from burning home in San Bernardino
By: San Bernardino, CA - San Bernardino County firefighters rescued nine dogs Sunday evening after flames ripped through a family home.
Fire crews responded around 4:20 a.m. to a home on the 4000 block of David Avenue in the foothills above San Bernardino proper, and were greeted by homeowners who alerted them of the trapped animals.
Large plumes of smoke and visible flames were seen in the front of the home, which fire officials said required “immediate action,” and prompted a simultaneous fire attack and search operation.
Video posted to social media by the San Bernardino County Fire Department showed the harrowing rescues, with firefighters navigating smoke-filled corridors and using special equipment to search the dimly lit spaces for any living creatures.
Through minutes of searching the burning building, firefighters were eventually able to locate and rescue three adult dogs and six puppies. One dog, sadly, died as a result of smoke-related injuries, despite the best efforts of paramedics on scene.
The fire was eventually extinguished with the help of four engine companies, a truck company and a battalion chief. A fire investigator and a public information officer arrived at the scene shortly after.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials said this dangerous rescue is a good reminder for residents to focus on what to do when a house fire breaks out, including evacuating immediately and never re-entering a burning structure.
“Get out. Stay Out,” the Fire Department said in the post.