Two suffer smoke inhalation trying to save pets from west-central Minnesota fire; 17 dogs, 3 cats perish

NEW LONDON

— Two people were treated for smoke inhalation after attempting to rescue pets in a home destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon north of Sibley State Park in Colfax Township of Kandiyohi County

The two individuals were transported to the CentraCare — Paynesville Hospital by a New London Ambulance team, according to a news release from New London Fire Chief Mark Skindelien. The condition of the two was not known, but the smoke inhalation was not believed to be life-threatening.

Firefighters recovered the bodies of 17 dogs, many of which were puppies, and three cats in the home. All of the pets perished in the fire due to smoke inhalation.

The home on the 1000 block of 240th Avenue Northeast is believed to be a total loss, with an estimated value of $250,000, according to the New London Fire Department report.

The department responded to the fire at 3:51 p.m. Thursday after a caller reported that smoke was coming from a house at the location. The caller believed everyone was out of the house.

Heavy smoke and fire were showing from the south side of the structure as firefighters reached the scene. They made an aggressive attack and were able to get the bulk of the fire knocked down within minutes, according to the news release.

It was at this point when the firefighters learned that there may be pets in the house. They made entry and recovered the deceased animals.

Firefighters remained on the scene for about three hours, confirming it was out.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, according to the fire chief.

The New London Fire Department was assisted by the Belgrade Fire Department, Spicer Fire Department, New London Ambulance, Lake’s Area Responders, Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Department, and the Kandiyohi County Rescue Air Supply truck.