Firefighters from Newtown were among the area crews who responded to house fire in Northampton where several pets were trapped.
The blaze happened in the 20 block of East Ridge Circle shortly before 1 p.m. Langhorne, Lower Southampton, Middletown and Newtown crews responded to the scene along with Northampton Fire Company, Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and Newtown Ambulance Association.
Northampton Fire Company Chief Adam Selisker said a mother and young children made it out of the burning home but many of the approximately 10 to 15 pets – fish, dogs, rabbits, reptiles and cats – did not.
Firefighters rushed into the burning home to rescue several of the pets and also fight the flames, Selisker said.
Once outside, firefighters and medics used special oxygen masks that were donated to help resuscitate the pets. In addition, medics transported four animals to an animal hospital in Middletown for further treatment.
Selisker said several animals did die as a result of the fire but he did not have a firm number.
“Typically we don’t see that many animals in a house or needing treatment,” the chief said.
A photo tweeted by a Middletown firefighter shows emergency responders providing care to several dogs.
Firefighters work to save multiple dogs from house fire Northampton Bucks County PA pic.twitter.com/9A8T6WFqPz
— Jim Bampfield (@JimBampfield) August 29, 2016
