Independence firefighters respond to a house fire.

 

Around 5:30 Wednesday evening, crews from the Independence Fire Department were dispatched to reports of a structure fire in the 1000 block of West Beech Street. When they arrived on the scene, firefighters found a home with heavy smoke coming from the eaves and roof. Responders attacked the fire aggressively as they entered the home and found heavy flames in the kitchen, living room and dining room.

 

Officers from the Independence Police Department rescued two dogs from the backyard of the home, while firefighters removed a third dog from inside the house. That dog received oxygen using a canine oxygen mask to help the animal recover from smoke exposure. All other occupants of the home were able to escape without injury. There was significant damage to the structure.

 

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

 

In addition to Independence Fire & EMS and Independence Police, crews from Independence Rural Fire, Dearing Fire, and Cherryvale Fire assisted on the call.

 

Photo courtesy Independence Fire/EMS