WHEN a couple escaped the dense smoke and flames of their burning cottage in Peisley Street on Thursday night, they realised their little pet dog, who is deaf and blind, was still inside.
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By the time firefighters arrived at the house after 10.30pm on Thursday, one of the occupants had to be restrained from re-entering the house to rescue the little dog, according to Orange Fire and Rescue.
As the man and woman were being treated in the back of an ambulance for smoke inhalation, firefighters still wearing their breathing apparatus entered the house to try and locate the much-loved family pet.
“One of our firefighters Rob Buesnel found him on the floor in one of the bedrooms,” station officer Matt Jeffery said.
Station officer Jeffery handed the dog to a police officer who using, fire brigade equipment, gave the dog oxygen on the footpath outside the house while firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Neighbours David and Carol Burcher said it was a miracle the dog was still alive when carried out in the arms of the firefighter.
“It was amazing to watch just how he came good,” Mrs Burcher said.
“It’s good to think the owners got out, but the house is damaged.
“The little dog’s bed was all wet and covered in ashes so I went down to my workshop and brought him back a lamb’s wool rug,” Mr Burcher said.
An Orange hospital spokesperson said the male occupant of the house was treated at the hospital but discharged.
Inspector Gerard Power, of Canobolas Local Area Command, said police were not sure what started the fire at the back of the house, with investigations continuing.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
