MARTINEZ — Seventy Pomeranian dogs and three cats were rescued in a house fire Tuesday morning that injured one resident, authorities said.
None of the canines or felines were injured and they were taken into temporary custody by Contra Costa Animal Services Department officers, authorities said.
Three residents of the two-story home on Barber Lane were able to get out on their own and one was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District spokesman Steve Hill said.
The fire started in the garage of the home about 11 a.m. and spread to the second floor, Hill said. Flames and smoke were coming out of the house when firefighters got to the scene.
Firefighters discovered the animals when they made entry into the house and brought them outside, Hill said.
Hill said the fire was brought under control about 11:30 a.m. No firefighters were injured.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. A damage figure was not immediately available.
Animal Services Lt. Alana Weissman, said the dogs, including some puppies, had been left in the care of the house residents about a week ago by their owner who lives out of the county. The owner was enroute to the house Tuesday afternoon to retrieve the dogs, she said.
She said animal services officers would remain on the scene to wait for the dogs’ owner to arrive.
She said officers were “happy to come out and assist and give the animals a quick onceover to make sure they were healthy. They all look happy and healthy.”
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