Diamond in the rough - firefighters stunned as foam-covered dog trots out of house fire ruins - Singleton
Published: 25 Jan 2024 01:03pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews, extinguishing a house fire today at Singleton, in the Hunter Valley, have been stunned to see a pet dog emerge from the ruins, covered in fire-fighting foam.
The blaze broke out just after 6.30 this morning causing a female resident to cry out for help.
She fled the house and was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics as FRNSW crews from Singleton, Branxton, Cessnock, Minmi and Rutherford battled the blaze.
With the house consumed by flames, firefighters set up a defensive perimeter to protect neighbouring homes and gained control of the fire after an hour.
Determining the house was at risk of collapse, fire crews were dousing hot spots, when suddenly the woman's pet Chihuahua, named 'Black Diamond,' emerged from the ruins.
Covered in soot and harmless firefighting foam, 'Black Diamond' was otherwise unscathed.
Scared however, he bit a firefighter on the thumb when she tried to approach him.
The firefighter was treated in hospital for a minor wound.
Fire crews cleaned the dog and set about getting him looked after and reunited with his owner.
The home was destroyed.
The cause remains unknown at this stage.
Updated: 25 Jan 2024 01:08pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
1A Pitt Street, Singleton NSW 2330
2a Drinan Street, Branxton NSW 2335
4 Edward Street, Cessnock NSW 2325