Pet oxygen mask used to resuscitate dog found not breathing in Kennewick fire
Firefighters used a recently-donated animal oxygen mask to revive a dog that was found not breathing in a house fire.
Crews responded to a house fire at a home in the 400 block of S. Dawes in Kennewick Tuesday afternoon.
Captain Kevin Crowley with Kennewick Fire said the homeowner was frying fish in the kitchen when a fire started. The homeowner tried using water to put out the fire, but the flames spread. That's when the homeowner and his grandson evacuated and called 911.
When firefighters got to the scene, they searched the home to make sure no one else was inside, and noticed an empty dog kennel. Once they talked with the homeowner, they learned that a dog might still be inside.
"The dog did what dogs naturally do in a fire-- it hid," said Captain Eric Nilson. Firefighters found the dog hiding behind its kennel inside the smoke-filled home. The dog was not breathing, and was rushed to a nearby ambulance where paramedics used an oxygen mask made for animals to help resuscitate the animal.
"The Richland Kennel Club donated the oxygen masks to the Kennewick Fire Department in September, and this was the first time we had the opportunity to use them," Nilson said. "We're grateful for the positive outcome."
Nilson said the dog's owner transported it to a nearby animal hospital for additional treatment.
Firefighters also rescued a folded American flag in a display case.
The home suffered some damage to the kitchen and living room area, as well as smoke and water damage throughout the house. No other injuries were reported.
Update December 4, 2019: Unfortunately, the dog that was found in the home and resuscitated by paramedics personnel Tuesday afternoon did not survive its injuries, according to Captain Brian Ellis.
More From 610 KONA
