AGAINST all odds a beloved family dog has been rescued from the rubble of a house fire in East Maitland.
Six NSW Fire and Rescue crews were called to a blaze in Blackett Close about 5am. They arrived to find the two-storey property well alight with fears the fire could cause explosions or spread to neighbouring homes.
Residents of the home had woken to smoke alarms and all six managed to self-evacuate the building, however the family dog Betty was still trapped inside the home.
"Thinking the worst, firefighters worked for over an hour to bring the blaze under control," a statement from NSW Fire and Rescue said.
"Towards the end of operations, with the structure badly compromised, crews noticed Betty moving through the rubble of the second story towards a balcony.
"Firefighters were able to use a ladder platform to lift Betty safely from the balcony and into the arms of her worried owners.
"Betty was very happy to be rescued and is being treated by the local veterinary clinic but is expected to make a full recovery."
The second storey of the home was completely destroyed in the fire and the property has been deemed structurally unsound. Fire and Rescue crews remained on scene for much of the day.
A number of residents were assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical care.
The NSW Police forensic team were sent to investigate the cause of the fire, but the structure was deemed too unsafe to enter on Tuesday. Investigations continue.
INITIAL REPORT NOVEMBER 10, 7AM: SIX fire crews were called in to fight a blaze in a two-storey home in East Maitland on Tuesday morning.
The fire broke out just after 5am with fire fighters finding the property well-alight on arrival. It took several hours to get control of the blaze.
According to Fire and Rescue NSW there were fears the fire could cause explosions due to products kept within the home. All precautions were taken to ensure the safety of fire crews and neighbouring residents. Smoke alarms had woken the home's occupants who self-evacuated before calling emergency services.
The second storey of the home was completely destroyed in the fire and the property has been deemed structurally unsound. Fire and Rescue crews remained on scene at 8am Tuesday.
Newcastle Herald understands the property will now be handed over to police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
READ ALSO
