Polk County Firefighters Rescue German Shepherd Puppy From Blaze

WINTER HAVEN, FL - Polk County firefighters save a German shepherd puppy as they battled fires at two homes in the Inwood neighborhood near Winter Haven on Tuesday afternoon. One home was destroyed by the fire and another was heavily damaged, firefighters said.

Polk Fire Rescue crews were called to 205 Westwood Ave. Northwest about 2:09 p.m to a fire at the home. When crews arrived, they found half of the home already engulfed in flames and a neighboring home, at 3680 Westwood Ave., in danger from the flames and heat.

Crews began fighting the fire and were able to save one of the two homes. The house at 205 Westwood Ave. was already destroyed by the time crews arrived, firefighters said. No one was home at either residence.

During a search of the second home for victims, Capt. Clay Hamric, Engineer Chris Lowe and Firefighter Ryan Reed found the puppy and saved it from the fire.

The Winter Haven and Auburndale fire departments also provided assistance.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time and will be forwarded to the State Fire Marshal's Office. Red Cross also has been notified to provide assistance to those living in the homes.

Photos by Jeremy Maready