Hero family dog leads firefighters to 2 children trapped in house fire
A family dog became the hometown hero when it led firefighters to two children trapped inside a house fire.
The fire occurred in Longwood, Florida, at the home of Margo Feaser, a Florida Sheriff's Department Investigator. Fortunately, Margo, her husband Brent and their 2-year-old and 4-year-old children all made it out of the blaze alive, and are recovering in the hospital, Today reports.
The fire began at approximately 11:20 p.m. Monday evening. The family's neighbors, Chip Dover and son Andrew, who were outside when it started.
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"We were outside with my telescope, looking at Jupiter with my next door neighbor," Dover told Today. "We were getting ready to come in when we heard a big explosion, and the house just blew up. We ran over there immediately and it was burning like crazy, and then we realized the family was still inside."
So the Dovers leapt into action, and broke the home's front windows with a chair on the front porch in order to get the family out of the burning building.
Margo was pulled to safety from the window, and when firefighters arrived they were able to break down the front door to rescue her husband Brent, who suffered severe burns, Today reports.
Fortunately, the family's German shepherd Maxx was there to lend a helping paw. The firefighters say that the dog led them to the children's bedroom, which was difficult to find thanks to heavy smoke from the blaze.
The family members are all currently being treated for burns and smoke inhalation, however, they are all in stable condition with their status ranging from serious to critical. Maxx the dog was also treated for smoke inhalation at a local vet, according to a press release from the SCSD. The dog is expected to make a full recovery.
“We are grateful to the neighbors who jumped into action, and we especially thank the firefighters who selflessly entered the burning structure and risked their lives for the Feaser family,” said Sheriff Don Eslinger in the press release. “There is a long road of recovery and rebuilding ahead, but our Sheriff’s Office family will be with Margo and her family every step of the way. We know our community is behind them too, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support the family has received.”
According to the State Fire Marshal’s preliminary investigation, the fire was accidental, and started in the home's back porch.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to aid the family, who's home was completely destroyed in the fire. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised $27,993 of the targeted $75,000 goal.
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