A fire in the 200 block of Maple Street in Rome claimed the lives of two cats and two dogs, according to a statement from the Rome Fire Department.
Just before 10 a.m. on May 27, the Rome Fire Department reported receiving a call for a structure fire at the 200 block of Maple Street. Firefighters arrived on the scene within two minutes and found a one-and-a-half-story single-family home with smoke visible from the roof and fire coming from the rear.
The initial call said one person was trapped inside, but the homeowner told firefighters he was able to rescue his son from a second-floor window using an extension ladder. The son was transported to Rome Health for evaluation.
The homeowner told firefighters several cats and dogs were still inside. Firefighters moved hoses to the rear of the building and began to put out the fire while a search commenced for any additional people or animals.
Firefighters found 12 animals in total. Oxygen and resuscitative measures were administered by firefighters, police, and the Rome animal control officer.
Two dogs were taken to a local veterinary clinic, while others were held by Rome Animal Control until the owner found new living quarters.
The department said National Grid was called to the scene to cut power and gas to the home, Rome Code Enforcement assessed structural integrity of the house, and the Red Cross is assisting with living arrangements.
Amcare Ambulance was on scene to assist. The fire is still under investigation.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Fire in Rome claims life of two dogs, two cats; fire department investigating
Reporting by Casey Pritchard, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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