Dog Killed, 3 People Displaced by Richmond House Fire

Three people were displaced and a dog was killed in a one-alarm residential fire in Richmond Monday afternoon, according to the Richmond Fire Department. The incident was reported at 3:22 p.m. in the 2700 block of Center Avenue, where a single-family residence caught fire. When firefighters arrived on scene there were flames coming from the rear of the home.

They were able to isolate the fire to a rear living room and the attic above, but there was severe smoke damage to the entire structure, according to firefighters. Investigators determined the cause of the fire was due to failed electrical wiring. No injuries were reported, but the American Red Cross responded to help shelter the three residents displaced by the damage.

Personnel on scene found a dog suffering from smoke inhalation in the rear of the home and attempted to resuscitate it using specialized oxygen equipment for pets, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work, but it’s one of the few times we’ve been able to use the equipment,” Capt. Rico Rincon said. “Recently we’ve acquired masks that are designed specifically for animals,” Rincon said. “The new mask that we have for dogs is cone shaped, it’s got a rubber gasket seal and it fits tight over the muzzle.”

Rincon said the Richmond Fire Department has had this gear for more than a year, but needing to use it is not a frequent occurrence.

By Bay City News

Photo via Shutterstock

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