Fire crew saves 2 pit bulls from West Toledo blaze

12/23/2006

A fire of suspicious origin caused about $10,000 damage to a two-story house yesterday in West Toledo. Firefighters rescued two pit bulls from the burning structure.

Crews were sent to the area about 7 a.m. and saw smoke at the back of the house, 1665 Ottawa Drive. The blaze began around a rear porch and spread inward, fire Lt. Richard Knight said.

No one was home at the time. The house is owned by Tony Bivens, of Toledo, according to Lucas County real estate records.

Firefighters rescued the pit bulls one a large dog, the other a puppy. The puppy was unconscious, apparently overcome by smoke. The firefighters gave it oxygen through a mask and wrapped it in a blanket, the lieutenant said.

One of the dogs was taken to the Lucas County dog warden s office, where it was awaiting its owner to claim it. The other dog, believed to be the puppy, was with its owner, according to the dog warden s office.