In his 35 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, Brett Tetanish expressed astonishment at the intensity of a fire he encountered on Saturday night in Newport Station, N.S. A total of approximately 20 dogs were saved from a blaze that engulfed a single-story residence, although one dog tragically perished.

According to Tetanish, the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department chief, the occupants were absent when the fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. AT. The response to the incident involved around 40 firefighters, including personnel from two other departments.

Tetanish noted the extraordinary efforts made to rescue the dogs, with as many firefighters attending to the animals as those battling the flames. The exact reason for the high number of dogs in the home remains unknown.

The fire was primarily confined to the kitchen area, resulting in fire, water, and smoke damage throughout the residence. While the cause of the fire is deemed accidental, Tetanish highlighted the swift actions of two individuals from a neighboring property who suffered smoke inhalation while attempting to combat the blaze and save some of the dogs.

In terms of animal rescue efforts, Tetanish mentioned that while the departments possessed oxygen masks for animals, there were insufficient masks for all the dogs, including a litter of puppies. Consequently, masks designed for human use were utilized. Veterinary technicians from a local animal hospital provided assistance in caring for the dogs, who were subsequently transferred to emergency clinics in the Halifax region.

The community response and care exhibited toward the rescued animals were underscored by Tetanish, who praised the firefighters for their dedication and compassion in providing oxygen and necessary care to the dogs.