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Woman dies after her house goes up in flames, more than 20 dogs were found inside
PHOENIX - A woman died after a fire spread throughout her Phoenix home where dozens of dogs were also found in metal cages.
The fire broke out just before 1 p.m. near 39th Avenue and Bell Road on Saturday, Oct. 22, says Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller. Heavy smoke was reportedly billowing from the entryway.
"As crews arrived, they found the homeowner unable to exit the structure inside the kitchen, and they were able to safely evacuate her from the building," said Phoenix Fire Captain Todd Keller.
The 86-year-old woman was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition. She suffered smoke inhalation and burns and later died at the hospital.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Dogs rescued
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Dogs rescued from deadly Phoenix fire now under humane society care
Officials with the Arizona Humane Society say the dogs, which were rescued from a fire that killed a woman in her 80s, were part of a hoarding situation, and are suffering from other health problems. FOX 10's Desiree Fluellen reports.
As for the dogs in cages, the fire department says they rescued as many as possible, and that seven of the dogs are being treated with the help of neighbors. Some dogs, unfortunately, didn't survive.
"Firefighters have reached out to the Humane Society and other animal care groups for assistance," said Cpt. Keller.
Cpt. Keller said the cages were a hindrance for crews.
"Our firefighters did encounter several obstacles which they did define to be those metal cages harnessing those dogs," Keller said.
Officials with the Arizona Humane Society say the seven rescued are in their trauma hospital, receiving medical attention. On Oct. 24, officials talked about the dogs.
"These little guys are poodles. They range from 11 weeks old to 12 years old," said one AHS official.
AHS officials say the dogs were part of a hoarding situation. The dogs were initially treated for smoke inhalation, but further exams uncovered more problems.
"Once we were able to evaluate them, more it looks like they have matting. They're tick-infested and a little underweight, so they’ll continue receiving treatment in our care," said one AHS official.
It is unclear how long the treatment will take, and currently, adoption for these dogs are off the table.
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