Family Dog, Rabbit Rescued In Murrieta House Fire

MURRIETA, CA — A house fire that broke out Friday in Murrieta damaged the residence and killed two pet birds, but firefighters were able to save the family's dog and rabbit.

The blaze was reported at 10:03 a.m. in the 24000 block of New Clay Street near Old Town. Smoke was coming from the roof and attic vents of the single-story home when Murrieta Fire & Rescue crews arrived.

Firefighters had to force entry into the residence and found heavy black smoke inside. They searched for people and pets and found a small black dog singed by the heat and suffering from smoke inhalation.

Crews administered oxygen to the canine via breathing apparatus designed especially for pets. The dog was revived, but two pet birds perished in the blaze. A pet rabbit escaped injury.

No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters doused the fire within about 15 minutes, but there was extensive damage to the home. The American Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

—Joe Fanaselle contributed to this report.