A dog died from smoke inhalation and an Arnold home was “heavily damaged” by fire Monday night (Jan. 4), says Ron Harder, public information officer for the Rock Community Fire Protection District.
At least one woman lives at the single-story frame home, which is in the 1600 block of Tempo Lane off Melody Lane, but she was not there when the fire broke out, Harder said.
She was shopping at the time, Harder added.
Fortunately, neighbors noticed flames coming from the home at about 8:30 p.m. and reported it, Harder said.
“They were good, observant neighbors,” he said.
Harder said the woman returned to the home as firefighters were on the scene extinguishing the blaze.
Two dogs were inside the home and suffered smoke inhalation. Firefighters got them out and tried to resuscitate them, but one died. The other was taken to the veterinarian, Harder said.
He said the home was not totaled, but it’s uninhabitable until repairs are made.
Harder said he didn’t know where the residents are staying now.
He said firefighters were on the scene “within minutes” of the call, and the fire was under control in about 15 minutes.
Harder said the fire was ruled accidental and looked like it started on the deck or at the rear of the home near the deck.
The Saline Valley and Mehlville fire protection districts helped with the call, Harder said.