Daisy Mt. Fire rescue numerous pets in North Valley blaze
MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR ~ 7/14/2010

A house fire just south of Joy Ranch Road, near 11th Ave. on July 6 saw the home’s family get out safely and Daisy Mountain Fire Department personnel rescue a large number of pet rabbits, turtles, birds and gerbils.
The call came in at 8:52 p.m. with Daisy Mountain Fire reporting to a fire that started in the residence’s garage.
“The family called in the fire so by the time we got there they were out safely,” Daisy Mountain Fire Department PIO Dave Wilson said. “We were then told that there were a number of pets in the house.”
Wilson said that fighting a fire while searching for animals is slightly different than when searching for humans.
“The preservation of life is always our top concern,” Wilson said. “Most people think of their pets as a big part of their family. But while people aren’t going to be afraid of fire personnel that come in to rescue them, animals often are. Visibility is almost always a big challenge for us going into a burning building. If we know we’re searching for animals exclusively in a home it’s much easier to get the fire under control first and then go searching for animals that may be hiding under furniture or in various other places.”
After an extensive battle with the fire, which was mainly contained to the garage, Wilson said the 35 plus fire fighters that reported to the scene were able to rescue a host of rabbits, turtles, birds and gerbils, with a bird being the lone casualty in the fire.
The fire was reported out at approximately 10:30 p.m. The cause is still under investigation.
“I think because we fought the fire aggressively and were able to contain it to the garage that much of their belongings would have been salvageable,” he said.
In a separate fire Daisy Mountain Fire Department personnel reported to Black Canyon City.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday three Daisy Mountain Fire engines, including ladder 142, were sent to assist in Black Canyon City.
The sight of the fire was an apartment complex located at 19066 Palm Lane.
“It really wasn’t too big,” Wilson said. “No injuries were reported and the fire was contained to the apartment it originated in. We actually cancelled some of our units before they arrived to the scene.”