Winter Garden firefighters rescue animals

WINTER GARDEN — Two dogs and one bird are alive and healthy thanks to the work of Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department personnel.

According to reports, Winter Garden police and firefighters responded to a duplex fire July 1 at Main Street and Story Road. Upon arrival, fire crews learned that one dog already had been evacuated by occupants. Crews then entered the building to extinguish the fire and brought out a bird in a cage. After more searching, the crews located the second dog, a white Chihuahua, hiding under a couch.

"It was awake but a bit groggy," said Fire Chief Matt McGrew. "As you can see, we put our pet oxygen masks to good use. The dog wasn’t sure about the mask at first, but once it got some good pure oxygen, it didn’t mind it at all. After about five minutes of oxygen, the dog was alert and left with the owner.

"We have had these oxygen masks (donated by a local resident) available for a couple of years at our office and never had an occasion to use them," he said. "Just about three weeks ago, we decided to get a special bag for the masks and carry them in the Battalion Chief vehicle so we would have quicker access to them. As they say: Timing is everything, and the incident had a happy ending for all involved."