Sumter firefighters, EMTs use oxygen masks to rescue 3 dogs from house fire

Sumter firefighters rescued three dogs from a burning home Friday afternoon, using pet-sized oxygen masks to counteract smoke inhalation.

The blaze is thought to have started at the Anne Park house, which is between East Charlotte Avenue and Loring Drive to the west of North Lafayette Drive, from an overloaded electrical circuit, according to Sumter Fire Department Battalion Chief Joey Duggan.

No one was at home at the time the fire began. Family members who live next door said the homeowners were in Florence and were heading home once they were notified of the fire.

All three dogs will be OK after firefighters and Sumter EMTs used the doggie oxygen kits, rescue devices they have used before.

The fire itself was handled quickly, Duggan said. They were able to save $110,000 worth of contents and valued structure, while $30,000 worth of damage was incurred.

One firefighter and one EMT were bit by the dogs, Duggan said, who were understandably scared. Both humans were treated on scene and are OK.