10 dogs, including new litter of puppies, killed in south Phoenix mobile home fire
PHOENIX - Ten dogs were killed and three people narrowly escaped with their lives in a mobile home fire in south Phoenix on Friday.
The fire sparked just before 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 3 near 40th Street and Baseline Road.
A man in the backyard spotted the fire but was unable to rescue the dogs because of how quickly the house filled with smoke and intense heat.
Video from a neighbor shows the street overwhelmed with smoke.
Screenshot from video provided by Geri Howard
"I did talk to one of the firefighters who has been here for over 25 years, and he said that was one of the hotter fires that he’s been in. That’s what happens unfortunately with mobile homes they burn quick, they burn hot," said Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade.
Phoenix Fire says crews arrived at the scene and found a large column of smoke and fire coming from the home.
Three fire engines and 28 firefighters were required to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading.
"Firefighters were able to rescue four of the dogs, unfortunately, a new littler [sic] of puppies and several other dogs perished in the fire," McDade said.
"This is hard on the firefighters too, because we know that your dogs and your pets and part of your family."
The family says one of the dogs that perished was pregnant and another, Rosie, had just birthed puppies two days ago.
(Photo courtesy of the homeowner, Anita)
Four of the pet dogs were rescued safely.
The homeowner, Anita, said that it was not a breeding or hoarding situation. Multiple families were living together because of health conditions, which is why there were so many dogs.
"Firefighters who arrived at scene found multiple space heaters that were plugged into power outlets," said McDade. "It’s still early in the investigation, but that’s where we are starting."
The Phoenix Community Assistance Program is providing help to the homeowners.