Family loses pets in house fire
JEFFERSON, Ore. – A family in Jefferson escaped a house fire early Saturday morning, but their dog and cat did not survive.
Firefighters responded to the fire at a manufactured home at 1891 Steiwer Road SE just after 2 a.m.
Ken and Michelle DuClose, and Ken’s brother Mike DuClose all escaped from the house, firefighters said. Their Yorkshire Terrier named Owen and their cat named Dat did not survive.
Firefighters said Michelle DuClose woke up when she heard a noise and realized it was a fire. Ken DuClose tried to put the fire out, but realized it was too big and ran out of the house with his wife and brother.
No one was hurt. A neighbor called 9-1-1.
Firefighters said a candle left burning overnight may have caused the fire. The damage was estimated at $170,000.
Tragedy for them to loose the small loved ones. Hope they can get a place to live again and adopt/rescue another cat and dog from the shelter when they are ready for them.
My worst nightmare. I'm sure I'd be one of those fools that runs back in for their animals. I wish firefighters would tell pet owners the best way to make it easier for them to rescue our pets. I have signs in my windows but I still worry a lot. My thoughts are definitely with the family at this devistating time.Â
Oh damn... that is really awful... Â I'm glad the humans made it out safely... so very sorry, though, about their pets, because losing those is just like losing human family members (at least that's how I feel about my pets)... :-(