Blaze Erupts at Los Angeles Vet; Only One Pet Survives

Tragedy struck the West Hills Animal Hospital earlier this month when a fire erupted in the clinic attic. Four pets were staying at the vet's when the fire erupted; only one survived the blaze.

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that around 1:05 a.m. Sunday morning, a private alarm company called the local fire department to report an activated smoke alarm at 6402 Platt Avenue in West Hills, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. A total of 84 firefighters were sent to the scene, including four LAFD Rescue ambulances and one Hazardous Materials Team. It took 30 minutes to extinguish the fire, which was sparked when heavy rains in the area seeped into the exterior electrical sign that advertised the clinic.

"As is our protocol, LA firefighters made a forceable entry into the business, and though it did appear closed we assumed there were living beings inside," Brian Humphrey, a spokesman for the LAFD told Paw Nation. "Firefighters were able to evacuate four animals -- two dogs and two cats -- from the smoke charred building. Sadly, three of the animals succumbed, while one puppy survived."

Firefighters used human oxygen masks on all the rescued pets, though only the sole puppy pulled through. He was taken to another animal hospital for observation.

"Given the nature of the blaze, we felt it was an appropriate and essential element to have this many firefighters ready," Humphrey told Paw Nation. "During driving rain and cold temperatures, firefighters charged again and again into the smoke charred structure and searched every square foot of the building. Thankfully we were able to find the animals."

Firefighters also went to great lengths to protect important medical files within the building by covering them with tarps and sweeping water out of the way as soon as areas were deemed under control. Both files and the building itself survived, though $160,000 of damages are estimated.