Vic: Dog killed in unit fire

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2006
Vic: Dog killed in unit fire

MELBOURNE, Aug 12 AAP - A small dog was killed and his mate resuscitated by fire officers,
after an electric heater left on to keep the animals warm sparked a fire in a suburban
apartment block in Melbourne last night.

Firefighters performed oxygen therapy and heart massage on the dogs after being called
to a blaze at an apartment block in Glen Huntly shortly after 11.30pm.

Metropolitan Fire Brigade commander Dave Miller said one of the dogs regained consciousness
and was taken to the local vet but the other dog could not be revived.

Mr Miller said the apartment was occupied by two university students who had left an
electric heater on to keep the dogs warm while they went out.

Clothing left too close to the heater caught alight, setting the unit on fire, he said.

A neighbour heard the smoke alarm operating and called the fire brigade.

The fire caused about $50,000 damage with one bedroom extensively damaged and the remainder
of the residence affected by smoke, heat and water.

Fire officers said the blaze highlighted the dangers of leaving electric heaters on
and unattended.

AAP jmw/arb/pe

KEYWORD: DOGS

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