Burnaby house fire kills 8 dogs, 2 cats
A house fire in Burnaby, B.C., on Tuesday night killed eight dogs and two cats, despite the efforts of the homeowner and firefighters to save the animals.
Burnaby firefighters say they responded to a call from a home at 4911 Fulwell St. at about 8 p.m. PT.
They say the homeowner, who they believe is a dog trainer, called 911 when she returned home and saw smoke.
"She was very distraught. Her and another gentlemen were bringing them out the front and the back," said assistant Fire Chief Erik Vogel.
"It was a bit of a surreal situation for us to show up. We usually expect one or two pets, but not pets all over the place."
Firefighters had to prevent the woman from going back into the house to try to save more animals, and the two residents were treated for smoke inhalation, he said.
Eight dogs and two cats died at the scene despite attempts to save them with oxygen units, he said. But at least one cat and one dog were saved and taken to emergency care by a veterinarian who showed up on scene.
Vogel said firefighters believe the fire started in the kitchen, and although it was almost out by time they got there, it caused a lot of smoke.
"The house was buttoned up pretty tight, so not a lot of oxygen," he said. "The fire kind of burned itself out, but not [until] after a lot of smoke was created."
