A Castlegar house fire has taken the life of a pet in spite of first responder efforts.
The Castlegar Fire Department was called out to a residential structure fire in the 200 block of 5th Ave. on Aug. 10 at around 8:45 p.m.
Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio said that upon arrival, smoke was seen coming from the basement entrance as well as venting from the roof and firefighters quickly determined that the fire was in the basement of the house.
All of the home's occupants were outside and accounted for, but fire crews were told that a dog was still inside the house.
Lattanzio said CFD quickly initiated an internal attack, gained entry, extinguished the fire and began a search for the dog.
Firefighters located the dog and began to give it oxygen.
"Unfortunately, the dog succumbed to smoke and could not be revived," said Lattanzio.
CFD responded with Rescue 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 1 and two command units with 14 members. BC Ambulance Service and RCMP were also on scene.
Lattanzio says the fire is currently under investigation, but it is not believed to be suspicious in nature.
Emergency Support Services has been offered to the occupants, according to Lattanzio.
The home sustained major fire and heat damage in the basement and smoke damage in the upper level. Control of the property has been turned over to the property owner and insurance provider.
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