When Angelina Starkey, a delivery driver, saw smoke coming out of a house in Lake City, Florida, she immediately called 911 and stayed until firefighters arrived. The responders later discovered that there were three puppies trapped inside the burning house. Luckily, they managed to rescue them just before the fire got out of control.
All three puppies needed veterinary care after suffering from lung damage, but luckily, they survived. House fires are a scary experience for both humans and animals. While humans often have the option of escaping a burning home, pets don’t have that luxury.
This is because they can not usually escape from their homes, and they are not able to recognize the imminent danger. Pets can be at risk of death from smoke inhalation, burns, and more. During a fire, your pet may not be able to hear you calling their name or see you waving from a window.
Although firefighters and other emergency personnel will do their best to make sure the dogs get out safely, it’s possible that some of the dogs could end up hurt or lost in all the commotion. If your pet escapes a house fire unscathed, there are still dangers lurking outside, like sharp metal objects that can cut paws and poisonous fumes from chemicals released by burning materials. Other animals may also attack them as they flee from their burning homes.
If your dog is lost in a house fire, he or she will likely be found by firefighters or emergency personnel as they search through the wreckage. If your pet is found alive, he or she will likely be brought to an emergency veterinary clinic where he or she will receive immediate care. Unfortunately, most pets who survive fires are not able to recover from their injuries and succumb within 24 hours.
If you find yourself facing a fire in your home, don’t panic
In most cases, the only thing you can do is allow your pet to escape the blaze on its own. It is nearly impossible to get back inside to save them once you’re already out.
Credit: Columbia County Fire Rescue