VIDEO: “We're in there initially for the human life,” said Colorado Springs Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve Wilch.
Saving people is the first priority for firefighters.
When everyone is out, firefighters often witness panic about pets
“Firefighters, we are trained in our emergency medical skills, EMTs. But we also know we can deliver some of those lifesaving skills to a pet through the oxygen delivery and just through stimulation,” said Wilch.
Pets are often unable to escape a burning structure.
Even calm, well trained dogs get confused and can react unpredictably when there’s a fire.
“They know that something's wrong, but they don't quite have the capacity to be able to remove themselves from that danger,” said El Paso County Animal Law Enforcement Sergeant Nicole Michon.
“We go in there to rescue pets and if they have suffered smoke inhalation, oftentimes, they need a little helpm they need oxygen,” said Wilch.
KOAA-TV NBC 5 Pueblo
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The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) said hoarding conditions made firefighting difficult at a house fire in which one person suffered minor injuries and a dog had to be rescued.
Firefighters originally responded to a structure fire just before noon on Friday, March 22 in the 1200 block of Sorrento Drive, near the intersection of East Fountain Boulevard and Chelton Road. CSFD said when crews arrived, they saw heavy smoke coming from the front of the home.
As firefighters made their way into the home, they found “heavy hoarder conditions,” which CSFD said poses a particular risk for firefighters. These kinds of conditions could lead to firefighters becoming entangled, lost or trapped, or stacked items falling on them. It also can make locating the actual fire difficult.
KXRM-TV FOX 21 Colorado Springs
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A hiker who got stuck in deep snow on or near the Colorado Trail is safe after a 12-hour rescue this past weekend in Douglas County.
Douglas County Search and Rescue said on Facebook that they were activated Saturday night and sent in multiple teams, as well as a drone team. The hiker was several miles in. It took many hours to reach him and many more to get him out.
It took about 12 hours for all the teams to return from the rescue.
"Please be aware that while it looks dry and clear in many areas close to home, snow conditions are still very challenging and risky in wilderness trails," according to Douglas County Search and Rescue.
KUSA-TV NBC 9 Denver
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