ST. MARYS — A Monday morning fire in St. Marys has displaced a family of five.
Thanks to a group effort by local first responders, the family’s four beloved dogs were rescued from the burning structure, said St. Marys Fire Department Chief Bill Kraus.
The call for the house fire at 287 Wilson Road came in at 9:01 a.m. There was no one home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries.
As firefighters continued to battle the blaze, St. Marys Ambulance Service personnel stepped in to help ensure the safety and the well-being of the rescued pets. The last dog saved from the home was in rough shape, said Kraus. Paramedic Tom Tomaski and EMT Chad Niver provided care and comfort to the dog in the ambulance that was on scene.
Kraus noted that Tomaski has specific training with medical emergency techniques for animals.
There is often not a positive outcome when pets are trapped in a house fire, Kraus said. The family is relieved that the dogs are safe.
The first floor of the home was destroyed by the blaze, Kraus said, and the basement sustained a lot of water damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the state police fire marshal.
Alongside the SMFD and SMAS on scene was also the City of St. Marys Police Department, Fox Township Fire Department, the gas company, water authority and West Penn Power.
Also notable, employees from Woodbed Corp. in St. Marys, who reported the fire, also stayed on scene to help, Kraus said.
“We really appreciate the fact that they were there to help us,” said Kraus.
The SMFD is fortunate to have a great working relationship with mutual aid departments and first responders, Kraus said. They are always there to lend a hand in a time of need.
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