Columbus firefighters rescued two adults and their pets from house fire
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Columbus firefighters rescued two adults, three cats and five kittens trapped in a second-floor apartment on fire this morning in the 800 block of Reed Street.
Firefighters were called to 807½ Reed St. at approximately 8:14 a.m. for a report of a residential fire with flames showing. As firefighters were responding to the scene, additional reports indicated that the occupants of the apartment were trapped.
Columbus firefighters arrived on the scene and were met by Columbus police officers, already there, who told firefighters that two adults were located in an upstairs window and that the only exit of the apartment was heavily involved with fire. As additional firefighters arrived, a portable ground ladder was raised to the second floor apartment window where firefighters helped a man and a woman out of the home and to an awaiting medical crew from Columbus Regional Health. Both adults were uninjured and received a medical assessment due to the possibility of smoke inhalation. They were checked at the scene and declined to go to the hospital.
After the fire was extinguished, firefighters searching the apartment located the cats and kittens. The cats received oxygen therapy from the ambulance personnel and recovered.
Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay said that communication and coordination between agencies was a crucial element to the successful rescue efforts and the wellbeing of the occupants.
“Our police department did a fantastic job of relaying critical information to our arriving firefighters as to the location of the trapped persons. When our firefighters completed the rescue, Columbus Regional Health Emergency Medical Service was right there to address any medical or transport needs,” Lay said.
Damage to property and contents are estimated at $90,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Due to the damage, the occupants have been displaced and are receiving assistance for the Salvation Army. The apartment was equipped with working smoke alarms.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus City Utilities, CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy and Columbus Regional Health Emergency Medical Service.
