Pet dog perishes in fire at house

The body of the family pet dog was discovered in the kitchen by fire fighters when they arrived at the scene after 1am.

Its owners were at work at the time of the fire which began in a back sitting room. When they arrived home they were taken away into a neighbour’s house where they were comforted.

Most of the damage was confined to the back sitting-room though heat damage was caused to the hallway and smoke damage throughout the house.

Two fire crews from Lisburn and one from Cadogan fire station attended the scene at the house. Using breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras, jets and hose reel jets extinguished the fire and crews remained at the scene for up to an hour. It is believed the fire started accidentally and there were no other casualties.

Fire officer Gavin McWhirter who attended the scene said that by the time he arrived the fire was almost extinguished.

“The occupants I believe were at work at the time and when they arrived were taken to another house,” he said.

“When I arrived the fire was almost extinguished. Unfortunately, although there were no other casualties sadly the family pet dog died. Fire crews took it away. It was obviously very distressing for the occupants.

“The dog was discovered in another room in the kitchen.”

The fire fighters are treating the incident as accidental.

Mr McWhirter said that there was a working smoke alarm and stressed the importance of one in all households. He said that they had no plans to do a fire safety check to the house and would only do so if required.