Shreveport Firefighters Save Dog After 10-Minute Rescue

A family's quick escape and a firefighter's brave entry turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of preparation and heroism in Shreveport, Louisiana.

On the evening of March 18, residents on Willard Avenue heard their smoke alarm blaring as flames broke through their attic. They evacuated immediately and called 911, but in the chaos, their dog couldn't make it out.

More than two dozen firefighters from the Shreveport Fire Department arrived at 7:53 p.m. to find smoke and flames pouring from the roof. Despite the dangerous conditions, they knew a family pet was still inside.

Chief Calvin Baker, Jr. of Special Operations and Safety said crews worked fast. By 8:03 p.m., just ten minutes after the initial call, firefighters had the blaze under control and the dog safely rescued.

No one was injured in the fire or the rescue operation. The family's working smoke alarm gave them the precious seconds they needed to get out alive.

Sunny's Take

This story reminds us that the small things we do today can save lives tomorrow. That smoke alarm cost maybe $20 and took five minutes to install, but it gave this family the warning they needed to survive.

The firefighters didn't have to go back in for a pet, but they did anyway because they understood what that dog meant to the family waiting outside. In those ten minutes, they showed up for their community in the way neighbors should.

The Fire Investigation Division is still working to determine what caused the blaze. Meanwhile, one family is tucking into bed tonight with everyone they love, including their four-legged friend, because a battery-powered device did its job and brave people answered the call.

Check your smoke alarms this week.