Dog Rescued from Residential Structure Fire

The Indian River (80), Lewes (82), and Millsboro (83) fire companies were alerted for a residential structure at 34346 Rabbit Run in the Pot Nets Coveside development off of Long Neck Road during the late evening hours of Wednesday, May 16th.

Emergency response crews were notified that all residential occupants were out of the structure; however, their personal canine could not be located and was feared trapped inside. Initial reports from on-scene personnel identified a heavy smoke condition, fire, and exposures with residential propane tanks.

All incoming fire response crews were to coordinate fire suppression, ventilation, ladder assignments to gain access to roof and attic area as well as remove siding to gain access to interior walls and foundation areas. Additional efforts were required with thermal imaging cameras to locate the interior wall fire and other hot spots.

The residential owners and occupants, Bill and Jeanne Ledane, resided in the structure with their 3 year old family dog, Scrappy.

Scrappy, was rescued by the Ledane’s when he was a puppy and quickly became attached to Bill and Jeanne. Scrappy is afraid of any loud noise and seeks refuse under the bed when he hears thunder or such noise.

Scrappy was with Bill and Jeanne during the evening hours of May 16th; however, when the residential smoke detectors activated Scrappy took off under the bed where the fire was located according to the homeowners.

When emergency response personnel arrived, they were apprised of the situation; however, had to focus on the initial fire location and knock-down efforts in order to mitigate the event, first and foremost.

Bill and Jeanne took refuse at a neighbor’s residence and were distraught regarding the fire; however, devastated with the idea that Scrappy had perished inside structure and there was nothing that they could do.

Emergency medical personnel attended to the Ledane’s during their initial incident assessment.

Firefighter John Rossister was performing various interior residential assignments and located Scrappy very frightened, scared and panicked. John grabbed Scrappy and headed outside of the residential structure.

Initially, Sussex County Paramedics checked Scrappy and offered some fresh oxygen. Scrappy was confused, disoriented but for the most part well overall. John presented Scrappy to Bill and Jeanne.

The Ledane’s were surprised and ecstatic to see Scrappy was alive, well and not injured. Jeanne was absolutely delighted and beside herself with the knowledge that Scrappy was okay.

Bill and Jeanne lost almost everything in the residential structure either by smoke, fire, heat or water damage but very happy that Scrappy was rescued and safe.

Bill and Jeanne are very pleased with the response from the local and neighboring fire companies and cannot specify enough the value of a smoke detector as well as the diligence and dedication of these fire company personnel and the emergency response entities.

While, Bill and Jeanne agree it will take time to rebuild and recover from the fire, they are delighted that Scrappy will be joining them on this journey.

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company offers this commentary to highlight the benefit of having working smoke detectors, a viable escape plan, and faith in the volunteer fire personnel of your fire district.

John Rossister is a retired City of Wilmington firefighter that responds with the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company while residing at his Sussex County residence as well as the Elsmere Fire Company when residing at his New Castle County residence.

Billie Jo Casapulla, a volunteer firefighter with Indian River, collaborated on this commentary as well as coordinated photographs and interviews with the Bill and Jeanne Ledane.

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company offers its best wishes to the Bill, Jeanne and Scrappy with their efforts to rebuild.

Additional information may be obtain by viewing the following websites: 

(1) Initial incident information and scene photographs:  http://www.irvfc.com/gallery.cfm?id=1037

(2) Information regarding smoke alarms, smoke detectors from Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA): 

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pyfff/smkalarm.html  

(3) Information regarding escape plans from Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA):   

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pyfff/escapes.html