Cross Blog

Red Cross works with Charlotte Fire Department to help man and puppies

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Photo courtesy of Tyler Shimsky

On Wednesday, Red Cross volunteers responded to a single-home fire on Choyce Avenue, where firefighters from the Charlotte Fire Department were working to extinguish the blaze.

Click here for the WBTV video

According to CFD, just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, the 911 communications center took a call for service for a house fire at 1620 Choyce Ave. Firefighters from nearby station 20 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke coming from this one-story home. It took 26 firefighters just more than 15 minutes to bring this fire under control.

The male occupant was at home when the fire broke out, and he and a mommy dog were able to escape.

During the primary search, firefighters were able to rescue 9 puppies from their smoke-filled home. Firefighters began using pet oxygen masks to deliver oxygen to the puppies, who quickly recovered.

Volunteers with the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to provide support. The Red Cross provided assistance for basic needs, such as shelter, food and clothing.

Protect your pet! Take a Red Cross Pet First Aid course and learn how to ensure your animals will be safe in the event of an emergency.