A Cherry Hill family’s worst nightmare nearly came true when a fire ripped through their home, but thanks to some quick-moving firefighters, their beloved dog made it out alive.
The fire broke out Monday afternoon on Crestbrook Avenue, and while the house ended up with serious damage, everyone—people and pup alike—made it out safely.
According to officials with the Cherry Hill Fire Department, the dog was pulled from the burning home just in time. It’s not clear exactly how long the pup was inside or where it was found, but the department confirmed the animal is safe and recovering.
“Firefighters said the family dog was rescued just in time,” as reported by the official Cherry Hill Fire Department release and echoed by local outlets. No injuries were reported, and no residents were inside when crews arrived.
Photos and video from the scene show thick smoke pouring from the house as firefighters battled the flames. Neighbors say they were stunned by how fast the fire spread.
“I just saw smoke and ran outside. I couldn’t believe how fast it all happened,” one nearby resident told 6ABC Philadelphia. “It’s terrifying, especially knowing there was a dog in there.”
Fire crews responded quickly and were able to contain the blaze before it reached neighboring homes. It took about an hour to fully bring the flames under control.
Even though no people were hurt, the damage to the house is described as “heavy,” and investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire in the first place.
For pet lovers, the story hits home, especially the part where first responders made sure the family dog was safe. It’s not the first time firefighters have risked their own safety to rescue animals trapped in burning buildings, and it probably won’t be the last. But it never gets any less heartwarming.
Cherry Hill Fire officials emphasized how important it is to have a working smoke alarm and an evacuation plan, not just for people but for pets, too. They say fires can escalate fast, especially in older homes where materials catch easily and burn quickly.
This isn’t the only recent house fire in the area. Just last week, a similar blaze in nearby Camden County also involved pets, though sadly, that one had a less happy ending. Local fire departments are reminding everyone to stay vigilant, especially during the hot summer months when fire risk tends to spike.
You can check out more coverage on this story at NBC Philadelphia and CBS News Philadelphia, where the dramatic rescue is getting plenty of well-deserved attention.