UPDATE: The family dog was transported to the veterinarian clinic in Flagstaff and did survive the ordeal. The Williams Police Department reports the dog is in good condition.
WILLIAMS—After their arrival, it took less than fifteen-minutes for Williams Firefighters to reduce the blaze at 119 Sherman to a smoldering ember. No one was home at the time except the family dog.
Firefighters took on the blaze in the rental with a fire cannon and hose. They also sprayed neighboring homes to prevent the spread of the intense heat. The fire began about 9:50 a.m.
Neighbors across the street reported hearing a pop and going outside to find a black bag burning on the porch. They reported the fire to the Williams Fire Department.
After rescue, fire fighters work to comfort the family pet.
While firefighters rescued the dog, paramedics at the scene were not allowed to administer any manner of medical treatment or first aid.
“It should not take any special training to give a dog an oxygen mask,” local resident Brenda Carter complained.
The dog is alive, but his condition is unknown.
The Williams Firefighters are volunteers and are appreciated for their hard work and dedication to the community and the Paramedics are paid employees of Lifeline Ambulance I believe……First even though the little frightened dog bit someone (assume a good samaritan neighbor) a blanket should have been thrown over it and got it out of the burning house and at the least leave the back door open which was not on fire for the dog to flee, don’t close the door on the dog and leave it in a burning house. Second when the firefighters were eventually able to get back into the building and rescue the dog who was unconsious and was taken to the paramedics for oxygen and the paramedics refused saying they are not allowed to work on animals. Firefighters and paramedics all over the country work and often save the lives of family pets. Williams needs to move into the 21st century and get training for the personnel on how to put an oxygen mask on an animal and obtain the special sized masks for animals, which can be purchased or obtained free or at minimal cost via many companies including Invisible Fence/Project Breathe.
Where I live the firefighters do NOT REFUSE to rescue animals!!! Shame on the Williams firefighters that responded to that fire and shame on Williams for having people of that calliber working in a department that is meant to save lives be it human or animal. Shame Shame Shame!!!!
I’am wrong in my above comments as I did not blame the paramedics. I wrongly accused the firefighters. After seeing the photo of the firefighter trying to sooth the poor animal I want to apologise to that firefighter and the other firefighters who responded to that call. What harm would it have done for a paramedic to administer oxygen to the dog? Are we not all responsable for all living things under Gods heaven? A sad day when any life is expendable.
Thank you Gazette for posting an update on the little dog. I am so glad to hear he survived and I pray there will be no negative lasting effects. I’m sure the family is overjoyed to have him back safely.