Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/firefighters-rescue-7-dogs/

Approximately 40,000 pets die in house fires each year. In Florida, brave firefighters just saved 7 dogs from joining those tragic statistics.

According to Fox News, the deadly fire broke out in Orange County, Florida, near Orlando, where an empty home burst into flames.

By the time firefighters arrived, smoke was billowing from the empty home, according to a Twitter update from OCFire Rescue.

But while the home’s owner was safely away, firefighters knew animals might still be trapped in the burnt building. Those suspicions were confirmed when rescuers found 4 dogs inside.

After pulling the dogs to safety, rescuers reportedly re-entered the home in search of a fifth pup. Instead, they found 3 additional dogs who needed saving.

All 7 dogs were pulled outside and given oxygen, which is urgently needed to rehabilitate both two- and four-legged fire victims. These dogs were very lucky that this fire truck came equipped with pet-sized oxygen masks, which isn’t always the case in the U.S.

Sadly, two of the dogs remain in critical condition — even despite the best efforts of first responders. Both dogs were rushed to the nearest animal hospital, according to Fox. The remaining dogs waited with a neighbor for their owner to come back home.

It’s unclear what caused this house to erupt in flames, but this frightening tale illustrates the urgent need to protect your pets when accidents happen.

Fortunately, there are many preventative steps you can take today to protect your pets from house fires. Start by installing smoke detectors in every room and hanging pet rescue alerts in your windows.

These life-saving alerts notify first responders of the presence, type, and number of pets inside your home. Keeping this information up-to-date and displayed in a prominent location can help rescuers narrow their search, increasing their ability to save your pet’s life.

UPDATE: A total of 7 dogs were rescued from the home. 2 are critical. @OCAS_Orlando en route. t.co/HquaA4ze59 pic.twitter.com/doVqLUzioS

— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) August 4, 2021

In the meantime, please consider making a donation to help us equip U.S. fire departments with pet-sized oxygen masks, which can make a life-or-death difference for furry fire victims. Your donation will help us save lives.

Learn how to protect your pets from house fires here.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog