Firefighters rescue 2 dogs from burning home near Redmond

(Update: More details on dog rescue, photos)

A renter was away when a fire broke out at a home west of Redmond Thursday night, but firefighters using thermal imaging cameras in thick, black smoke were able to find and rescue two large dogs from an upstairs bedroom, officials said.

Crews were called to the two-story home in the 2000 block of Southwest 55th Street shortly before 9 p.m., called in by the neighbor who owns the rental home and spotted the fire, Redmond Fire Captain Andrew White said.

Battalion Chief Jeff Puller said crews arrived to find a fire on the front of the home, extending to two upstairs bedrooms.

The first crews on scene “did an excellent job getting it knocked down” quickly, White said.

For a time, there was a concern one or more people might be inside. Two engine companies were assigned to search for any occupants: firefighter Mark Poling and engineers Matt Linker, Jim Robison and Sean Hagen.

“The firefighters encountered thick black smoke and were able to find the dogs using thermal imaging cameras,” Puller said in a news release. “Both dogs were approximately 80 pounds and were very lethargic when the firefighters found them. Upon getting them to fresh air they perked up and had no apparent injuries.”

“It was incredible,” White said. “We use thermal imagers, sort of like infrared. We got up there and spied the dog on the bed, thought for sure it was dead,” but when the dogs were picked up, firefighters learned they were okay.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. The estimated loss to building and contents was $50,000.

American Red Cross disaster responders were called in to assist the renter, who was White said “was pretty happy his dogs were saved.”

Mutual aid assistance was provided by Bend and Crooked River Ranch fire departments, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Power and the Red Cross.