A Rottweiler named Ruger was rescued from a house fire in Hegins Township on Monday afternoon.
However, a number of other animals remained unaccounted for as firefighters continued their search and a State Police Fire Marshal arrived to determine a cause.
Firefighters were dispatched to a home on E. Main St. in Hegins Twp. just after 12:30 p.m. on Monday.
As firefighters arrived, they encountered a fully-involved house fire. About an hour into the fight, firefighters were ordered out of the home for fear it would collapse.
Fire crews from Pottsville to Gratz, Dauphin County, were dispatched to the scene.
Chad Richards, Fire Chief at Hegins Valley Fire-Rescue, said there was a partial roof collapse of the home.
Richards said the residents were not home at the time of the fire.
Patty Daley, Disaster Supervisor with the American Red Cross-PA Rivers Chapter, confirmed to The Canary that one resident was at work at the time of the fire. Another was out buying supplies for puppies at the time.
Daley said that a number of pets in the home remained unaccounted for. There was no confirmation on the status of another adult dog, seven puppies, and four cats that lived at this home.
Ruger was rescued and hurried to a safe space near the home. He was tended to by a number of firefighters and other volunteers.
The dog was gently hosed down and allowed to cool off in a rescue stretcher filled with water. He was also given oxygen to help with any breathing problems.
Ruger was then rushed to a veterinarian in the crew cab of the Tremont Fire Co. Utility Truck.
This article will be updated once more information on the other animals is confirmed.
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