Three dogs were rescued from a house fire in Fort Dodge, Iowa, shortly after 3 p.m. on Thursday, officials with the Fort Dodge Fire Department said. Crews responding to the blaze in the 1200 block of S 24th St. found the front of a two-story wood-frame home heavily involved in fire, and freezing temperatures and icy roads complicated both travel to the scene and operations on site.

Firefighters arriving on-scene reported visible flames and heavy smoke showing from the front of the first floor. Two dogs were removed from the home by local bystanders before fire personnel were able to gain entry, and firefighters located and removed a third dog during interior operations as they worked to contain the blaze and search the structure for additional occupants.

Matt Price, Fire Chief of the Fort Dodge Fire Department, described the intensity of the fire: “The fire had heavily involved the first floor and extended into the second floor.” His department led suppression and rescue efforts while coordinating with crews who had to operate cautiously because of the winter conditions.

Response was hampered by icy roads and freezing temperatures, officials said. Cold, icy, and winter weather can slow fire response and create safety hazards by making roads and sidewalks slick, reducing fire engine travel speed, and increasing the risk of crashes or apparatus sliding on scene. Icy conditions can also cause hose lines, pumps, and hydrants to freeze, which complicates water supply and suppression efforts.

The sequence of events at the scene began with bystander intervention: neighbors and passersby removed two animals from the residence before crews forced entry. Firefighters then conducted a coordinated interior attack and search during which they found and removed the third dog while working to limit the spread of the blaze through the two-story structure.

Firefighters focused their suppression on the first-floor front where the fire was most concentrated and worked to prevent further extension into the remainder of the home. Video of the response, which shows crews operating in wintry conditions, is available on and has been shared by local outlets.

Officials confirmed all three dogs were accounted for following the incident. The department said the animals had been removed from immediate danger and that crews continued fire control and overhaul tasks until the scene was stabilized.

While investigators continue to assess the cause and extent of damage, officials noted a range of common scenarios that can lead to residential fires involving pets. Common causes include accidentally turning on stove burners, especially when pets jump on or walk across ranges, and knocking over open flames such as candles or fireplaces. Pets also sometimes start fires by chewing or damaging electrical cords or loose wiring.

The prominence of pets in American homes underscores the relevance of animal rescues during residential fires. According to recent National Pet Owners Surveys by the American Pet Products Association, roughly two-thirds of U.S. households own a pet. Because so many households include animals, major fire-safety organizations and humane groups recommend pet-focused measures and planning as part of overall household fire preparedness.

The Fort Dodge Fire Department directed suppression and rescue operations at the scene and emphasized the additional challenges presented by the winter conditions. There were no immediate reports of injuries to residents or firefighters; officials continued to secure the property and work with any necessary agencies to investigate the cause of the blaze and assess damage to the home.

Additional details, including the official cause and a full damage estimate, were not immediately available. The fire department asked anyone with relevant information or footage of the incident to contact their office as investigators complete their review.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.