TAMPA, Fla. – Hillsborough County Firefighters rescued three dogs this week from a fire that ripped through a mobile home.
On Wednesday, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a working structure fire in Tampa.
Officials say at around 10:52 am calls came into the 911 center reporting a fire in a manufactured home on 52nd Avenue in Tampa.
In the news: Salute: St. Pete Native Serves With Joint Strike Fighter Squadron From Navy’s Largest Master Jet Base
“Responding units could see a column of smoke coming from the area while en route to the scene, and the first arriving units reported a fully involved home,” said HCFR.
HCRF’s Engine 37 quickly pulled handlines to attack the blaze, extinguishing it in less than 20 minutes.
Additional crews searched the residence and rescued three dogs from the harsh fire conditions.
No other occupants were inside the house at the time of the fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 40,000 pets die yearly in house fires.
In the news: Salute: Bradenton Florida Native Serves At Naval Air Technical Training Center
This means that one pet dies in a house fire every 8 minutes. The most common victims are dogs and cats, but other pets such as birds, rabbits, and hamsters, can also be killed in fires.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the death of pets in house fires. These include:
- The size and location of the fire. Larger fires are more likely to kill pets, as are fires that occur in bedrooms or other areas where pets are likely to be sleeping.
- The type of building. Homes with wood-frame construction are more likely to catch fire and burn quickly, which can make it difficult for pets to escape.
- The presence of smoke detectors. Smoke detectors can alert people and pets to a fire, giving them time to escape. However, many homes do not have smoke detectors, or the detectors are not working properly.
- The behavior of the pet. Some pets are more likely to flee from a fire than others. For example, cats are more likely to hide than dogs, which can make it difficult for them to escape.
There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent pets from dying in house fires. These include:
- Having working smoke detectors in every room of the home.
- Ensuring that pets are familiar with the sound of the smoke detector and know what to do when they hear it.
- Keeping pets’ food and water bowls away from heat sources, such as stoves and fireplaces.
- Keeping pets’ bedding away from windows, as they may try to escape through a window in the event of a fire.
- Having a plan for how to evacuate pets from the home in the event of a fire.
By following these safety tips, you can help to keep your pets safe from house fires.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter—signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps