Wilmington Cops Save 2 Dogs From Burning House

WILMINGTON, IL — Wilmington police officers saved two pet dogs from a burning home late Thursday night.

Officers were sent to Wilshire Court about 11 p.m. to investigate reports of lightning strikes and what was believed to be a tree on fire in a yard.

“While searching the area in a downpour of rain, Officer Richard Santana noticed that a house was on fire,” according to a statement released by the police department.

“The Wilmington Fire Protection District was also in the area due to the calls, and responded immediately to the house to begin fighting the fire,” police said. “Fearing that the family may be inside the home, Officers Santana and David Soucie were able to force entry to a rear garage door.”

Santana and Soucie determined the house was empty of people but located two pet dogs. They rescued the dogs, getting them out of the house and to safety, and firefighters doused a blaze on the home’s second story.

“The neighbors were able to care for the dogs until the homeowners arrived,” police said.