Longview, Washington – Several Pets Rescued in House Fire at 15th Avenue

Longview, Washington (December 23, 2019) – A fire broke out in a residence on the 531 block of 15th Avenue on Monday. The residents were not at home at the time of the accident, but several pet animals were inside at the time of the fire. Crews from Longview fire were able to rescue four cats and four dogs. All four cats were in critical condition due to smoke inhalation, but were resuscitated with oxygen provided by crews. The cats were later taken to animal control. None of the dogs required medical attention. The fire was reported to have caused $40,000 in damages.

A neighbor reported the fire after seeing smoke coming from a roof. The neighbor also reported that while the residents were not at home, the pet animals were, and crews found the neighbors attempting to rescue the animals when they arrived on the scene. The fire was found on the first floor and was successfully extinguished. The cause of the fire ha snot been reported, but it was reported that the fire started in the kitchen area.

About Fire

The dangers of fire cannot be underestimated – the US Fire Administration has recorded 15 home fire fatalities this year within Washington.  Statistics from the NFPA have recorded that cooking equipment were the leading cause of home structure fires, home fire injuries, as well as being the second leading case of home fire deaths. Additionally, smoking materials are the leading case of home fire deaths, though it isn’t always the case every year. Always handle fire with wariness and see to it that fires are always extinguished after use. Remember also to assess the area where fire is going to be used and see to it that complete fire safety is practiced at all times.

Aside from cooking equipment and smoking materials, electrical causes remain to be one of the top causes for home fires according to the NFPA. Their Electrical Fire Reports to the U.S Fire Department since 2000 estimates around 45,000 to 55,000 cases of home fires being caused by electrical malfunction every year. Annual losses due to electrical fire result in 455 civilian deaths, 1, 500 civilian injuries and 1.5 billion of dollars in direct property damage. From these statistics, the risk from electrical fire is very real and should not be underestimated. As for the accidents themselves, the NFPA lists 63 percent involved wiring and related equipment, 74 percent cited some sort of electrical failure or malfunction, and wire or cable insulation was the first item ignited in 32 percent of electrical distribution or lighting equipment home structure fires. From these cases, one must always review and identify potential fire hazards and fix them to avoid damages, injuries or deaths.

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