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Renters displaced, and eight dogs and puppies die during morning structure fire

[Duluth, MN] At 9:09 a.m. this morning, the Duluth Fire Department was dispatched to the 100 block of East 5th Street for the report of a structure fire at a single-family home. When Fire crews arrived at 9:11 a.m., a Duluth Police Officer who was already on scene had circled the house and reported that the fire was located on the second floor. Smoke was showing from a second-floor window on the front of the home.

When the 1 Engine crew arrived, they laid lines at the nearest hydrant. The crew from Rescue 1 conducted an initial search and found three adult dogs and six puppies in three different bedrooms on the second floor of the home. The mother and all six puppies perished in the fire. The first adult dog that crews found was immediately brought outside where crews began lifesaving efforts. Unfortunately, the dog passed away. The second adult dog that was found was unconscious with agonal breathing. Fire crews used an oxygen mask and were able to revive the dog. Animal Control immediately transported the dog to a local veterinary clinic with the assistance of a firefighter holding the dog and keeping the flow of oxygen going during transport. The Department has since verified that the dog is in stable condition.

Duluth Fire companies have pet rescue equipment on all apparatuses and are trained in animal emergency care.

While the pet rescue was taking place, crews from Headquarters and UMD attacked the fire and quickly knocked it down. The fire was located in the center of the second floor. The fire had extended to the attic through an interior wall.

“We know that pets are an important part of a family,” said Assistant Chief Dennis Edwards. “Many of us in the Department have pets, and when we are on scenes like this one, we treat every pet rescue the way that we would want our pets to be treated. Understandably this is a hard day for this family.”

The fire has been ruled accidental electrical by the Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office. The fire caused an estimated $45,000 in damages to the structure and contents. The resident and her daughter have been displaced. The Red Cross is assisting them with housing for the next few days. For those wanting to help support the family, please contact the American Red Cross to provide assistance.

Crews from Headquarters, Lincoln Park, and UMD responded to the call.  The Duluth Police Department provided on-scene assistance in the initial dispatch call and offered valuable information once fire crews arrived. The Police also provided traffic control during the response. The Duluth Animal Control assisted in the transport of the adult dog to a local veterinary hospital.

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