A dog survived a house fire in Toano Wednesday afternoon, and firefighters are describing it as a miracle.
The James City-Bruton Volunteer Fire Department, the James City County Fire Department and the York County Fire Department responded to a house fire at 3278 Chickahominy Road at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to Bill Apperson, Public Information Officer for the James City-Bruton Volunteer Fire Department.
Responding units reported heavy flames from an upstairs window but were able to put out the blaze in ten minutes. The home’s furnishings and some of its structure were destroyed, and Apperson described the damage to the home as “extensive.”
An occupant told firefighters they fell asleep while cooking, and woke up to a fire in the kitchen, according to James City County Fire Department Battalion Chief Al Catlett.
Crews say when they arrived at the scene the occupants were safely outside the house.
However, the homeowner said the pet dog was still inside the home, and told firefighters the dog was likely hiding under a bed in the room that had been ablaze.
Firefighters began a new search, but Apperson said in an email, “It was not looking like anything could have survived the fire in that room.”
Apperson said Lt. Nick Powers, EMS supervisor for the James City County Fire Department, led a small crew into the room and found a small dog “cowering” in the corner.
“It is hard to understand how the dog survived,” Apperson said. “I personally think it was a miracle.”
The pet was said to be in excellent health and was reunited with its owner.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Apperson said in an interview. “I didn’t expect to find anything but a body.”
