PHOENIX — Phoenix firefighters rescued a litter of puppies from an apartment fire near 7th Avenue and Broadway Road.
Witnesses said several people were able to get out on their own as smoke was coming from the first-floor apartment.
Phoenix fire said the first firefighters on scene were able to extinguish the fire very quickly.
Firefighters pulled the puppies out of the apartment. At least one was treated with oxygen using a Fido Bag.
“These Fido Bags have been a game changer for us for our ability to effectively deliver high flow oxygen when we they need it the most," Cpt. Shaun DuBois said.
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A Fido Bag is filled with lifesaving tools for dogs and cats, including oxygen masks, leashes, and wipes.
“Ultimately, reducing those animals’ distress, their anxiety helps them feel better quicker," DuBois said.
More than 40,000 pets die from smoke inhalation in the United States every year, according to the Fetch Foundation.
The Fido Bag gives first responders a fighting chance at lowering that statistic.
“We’ve seen such great success utilizing these on animals that we rescue from fires and seem to be in bad shape," DuBois said. "We're actually able to provide them a lot of comfort and return them safely to their homeowners.”
Phoenix Fire Department carries Fido Bags on each of their trucks.
The bags are all donated by the Fetch Foundation, a nonprofit based in Arizona.
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