Child Treated, Dog Bites Firefighter at West Hollis Fire

A 3-year-old girl was treated for smoke inhalation, and a firefighter was bitten in the neck by a dog inside a home on West Hollis street during a morning fire.

Another dog died from smoke inhalation after hiding in a closet, according to fire officials. 

Property owner Elizabeth Darling of Litchfield was at the scene of the fire at 941/2 West Hollis St., watching as firefighters wrapped things up at the scene Friday morning.

"It's a shame for the dog, but the main thing is all the people are safe," Darling said.

The fire originated in a second floor bedroom, said Deputy Chief Kevin Kerrigan, who said it was sparked by a candle next to the bed.

Fire crews arrived just after 8 a.m. to find heavy smoke and fire coming from an upstairs bedroom. He said the second floor is uninhabitable.

A Red Cross disaster relief team was sent to assist those in need of temporary shelter.

The home has two apartments housing six people, said Darling, who has owned the property since 1981 and has never had a problem before.

The fire was reported at about 7:55 a.m. Just after 8 a.m. a request was made for assistance with a "vicious dog" inside the residence. Kerrigan said Firefighter Steve Henry was taken from the scene for treatment of a bite to neck.

"I believe there were several dogs in the residence, and I don't believe the dog that bit Steve was the one that initially was being vicious," Kerrigan said.

Steve came out and he was holding his neck, and I could see it was bleeding," Kerrigan said. "He told me he got bit in the neck on his way downstairs with the dog," Kerrigan said.

Kerrigan said Harvey was bitten while attempting to rescue the dog. He received "a couple of puncture wounds" which required one stitch.

"He'll be back to work on his next shift," Kerrigan said.

Because the dog's vaccinations were up to date there would be no further issues for the dog or its owners. 

"The dog was likely just scared. I don't believe there was any malice – the dog just got nervous," Kerrigan said.

No updated information was available about the condition of the 3-year-old, Kerrigan said.

Smoke detectors were installed and blaring when crews arrived, said Kerrigan, who credits the smoke detectors for saving lives.

"Smoke detectors definitely saved their lives, and it's a timely reminder to the public, during Fire Prevention month, that smoke detectors save lives," Kerrigan said. 

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the age of the child. Also updated, the circumstances involving a dog that perished.