One Pet Dies, 2 Others Saved In Middletown Fire

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This incredible photo was taken Thursday of a Middletown EMT working to revive a pet that was just pulled out of a burning building in the Belford section.

Three pets in total were rescued Thursday from the burning building at Main St. and Railroad Avenue. Firefighters and Middletown EMTs tried to revive all three using special pet oxygen masks given to the department earlier this year. Two of the animals survived, but sadly, a third did not, said Dennis Fowler, a spokesman for the all-volunteer Middletown fire department.

Fowler said he did not know if the pets were dogs or cats, and it is not clear from that photo, taken by volunteer Middletown firefighter Laurie Kegley. Pictured above are Middletown EMTs Ryan Dowens and Ralph Noriega.

Two firefighters were also injured fighting the large blaze, and were taken to local hospitals for evaluation. Fowler said they are in good condition as of Friday morning.

It was actually a firefighter in the area who first noticed that the structure at 743 Main Street in Belford was on fire at 12:37 p.m. Thursday, May 17, Fowler said. Matthew McCrady, the captain of Belford Engine Fire Company, saw smoke from a distance, ran over and called for backup. There was heavy smoke coming from the second floor, and heavy fire coming from the kitchen area.

The structure was not occupied at the time of the fire.

But while fighting the blaze, firefighters found three pets inside the burning building. All three were pulled out and rescue workers used the special pet oxygen masks donated earlier this year by the Canine Company. As Patch reported in March, the Middletown Township Fire Department received a donation of 11 sets of specially-designed pet oxygen mask kits from the Canine Company.

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Human oxygen masks do not fit the shape of most pets' snouts, making it difficult for firefighters to provide life-saving oxygen effectively on scene. The pet oxygen masks given to Middletown are specifically designed for the shape of an animal's snout. Each set includes masks in three sizes to fit a wide range of pets – from small mammals like rabbits to large-breed dogs. The donations started when Lincroft resident Stanee Rae Murray contacted the Lincroft Fire Company asking if they carried pet oxygen masks.

Two of the pets was successfully treated Thursday; the third did not survive, Fowler said. The Monmouth County ASPCA was requested to the scene.

Tragically, an estimated 40,000 pets die each year nationwide from smoke inhalation.

The Belford fire was called under control by Deputy Chief Steve Schweizer at 1:03 p.m. All units were cleared from the scene at 2:15 p.m. Thursday.

Approximately 47 members from 6 companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department responded to the call from Belford Engine, East Keansburg, Port Monmouth, Belford Independent, Middletown Fire Co. #1 and Old Village Fire Companies. The MTFD Air Unit, Fire Police as well as the Safety Unit responded and operated at the scene.

Middletown EMS provided firefighter rehabilitation and medical services. All units operated safely under the supervision of Deputy Chief Schweizer.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Middletown Township Fire Marshall’s office.

Past Patch reporting: Middletown Fire Dept. Gets 11 Pet Oxygen Masks

Photo provided to Patch by the Middletown fire dept./Taken by Laurie Kegley