First responders in Indiana revive 7 dogs suffering from smoke inhalation

First responders in Indiana revive 7 dogs suffering from smoke inhalation

First responders used donated "pet masks" to revive seven Labradors overcome by smoke in Porter County, Indiana.







An Indiana State Trooper administers first aid to a Labrador rescued from a burning home in Porter County, Indiana, on May 8, 2018.







Neighbors joined first responders in Porter County, Indiana, as they revived seven dogs overcome by smoke in a house fire.







Seven dogs overcome by smoke in a house fire in Porter County, Indiana, were taken to animal hospitals in police cars on May 8, 2018.




LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An Indiana State Trooper and several first responders went above and beyond to save the lives of seven Labradors that were overcome by smoke in a house fire Tuesday afternoon.

According to a news release from state police, it happened a little after 4 o'clock on May 8 in Porter County. That's when Trooper Justin Hansen -- who is also a volunteer firefighter with the Boone Grove Fire Department -- was called to the scene of the fire at 535 South 500 West in Porter Township.


Police say two Porter County Sheriff's Department were on the scene when Hansen arrived, thick black smoke was coming from the building, but the fire department hadn't got there yet. Without hesitating, Hansen and the deputies entered the building and pulled out seven unconscious Labradors.


Police say two of those dogs were pregnant. All seven were unresponsive and appeared to be suffering from smoke inhalation. After EMS workers arrived, first responders used "pet masks" to resuscitate the dogs.


Neighbors also helped officers open the dogs' airways and blow air into their lungs.


Police then rushed the Labradors to local animal hospitals in their patrol cars. Hansen took one of the dogs to an animal hospital in Valparaiso. Kouts Fireman Mike Luzack administered CPR to the dog.


All of the Labradors survived, although their conditions at this time are not known. They are owned by a local breeder. The homeowners were not home when the fire started.


Boone Grove Fire Chief Mike Meinert says Tuesday was the third time the pet masks -- which were donated by a citizen -- have been used in the past 10 years.


Meinert says the fire did not appear to be suspicious. He says it may have been caused by a heat lamp in the garage.


Several people and agencies took part in rescuing the dogs, including: Hebron Fire Chief Chad Franzman; Porter County Sheriff’s Deputies Mike Piazza and Tyler Williams; Hebron Officers Josh Noel and Casey Robinson; the Boone Grove Fire Department; Porter County EMS; and Porter County Animal Control.