A Bristol Township Police unit on patrol early Thursday morning more than likely helped save the lives of a number of exotic animals calling in a house fire at a two-story dwelling on the 1600 block of Lakeland Avenue.
Fire crews were dispatched just after 1:15 a.m., arriving on scene within three minutes of being dispatched, and were met with heavy fire showing from the back of the residence, Bristol Twp. Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito.
To add to the challenge of knocking the fire out, first responders were met by a large dog who was stopping anyone from entering the yard. Police on scene had to “corral the dog” in order for firecrews to battle the blaze, fire officials said.
Credit: Third District Fire Company
Firefighters aggressively searched the two-floor structure, finding no one in the home, however they did find: Two dogs, two parrots, a chinchilla, a cat, two snakes, a bearded dragon and an iguana, and some other pets, Third District Fire Chief Howard McGoldrick said.
Firefighters led the pets to safety, officials said.
A parrot and cat died due to smoke inhalation, McGoldrick said, adding Bucks County Rescue Squad paramedics used a pet oxygen mask to try and bring the cat back to life but were unsuccessful.
A little more than three weeks ago firefighters were able to save the life of a Pitbull using a pet oxygen mask at a house fire on Beaver Dam Road. The dog was discovered unconscious and was brought out. A Bristol Twp. firefighter administered oxygen using a pet oxygen mask until the dog regained consciousness, fire officials said.
Emily Rillings launched Resusapet which donated pet oxygen masks to fire departments throughout Bucks County (and beyond) beginning in 2018 as part of fulfilling a 12th birthday wish and donated the last masks she had on hand to the Bristol Twp. Fire Marshal’s office announcing mission accomplished for the effort.
“We will do everything we can to rescue and save pets,” the Third District Fire Chief said.
Bristol Twp. officials will assess and decide if the pets inside are owned legally and can reside in a residential setting.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal’s office, officials said.
Assisting Third District Fire was Newportville, Croydon, Edgely, Levittown 2, American Hook Hose and Ladder, William Penn Oxford Valley Station, Bristol Twp. Fire Police and Bucks County Rescue Squad.
Credit: Third District Fire Company
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