Firefighters Rescue Dog From Shaler Twp. Blaze

SHALER (KDKA) – Firefighters were called to the scene of a garage fire in Shlaer Township Monday morning.

According to officials at the scene, the fire started in a garage in the 700 block of Wible Run Road around 7:30 a.m.

Fortunately, no one was inside when the fire broke out. However, there was a German shepherd inside, but they managed to get it out safely.

"I looked out and saw flames, which seemed like they were in the garage," neighbor Gloria Baldauff said.

Baldauff grew anxious when she saw her neighbor's home on fire. She called the homeowner right away to let her know what was going on.

"Oh, she just panicked. She was like my kids, my kids. I think they're on the bus. Yeah, it was bad," Baldauff said.

Fortunately, no one was inside the home when the fire started.

"Later on in the fire, we found the two younger kids were at school, one other kid was at work and the parents were on their way to work," Chief David Campbell with Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Department said.

The German shepherd had to be rescued from the first floor of the home.

"I did see when they brought the dog out and I think the main thing is that if you see they rescued the dog, you know the kids aren't in there," Baldauff said.

The Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Chief said around 15 departments responded to the scene when the fire went to a second alarm.

"The basement area is pretty damaged with fire and water. The first and second floor heavy smoke and water damage as well," Chief Campbell said. "I would imagine it is probably salvageable. It's going to take a lot of work."

So, until things are back to normal for this family, Baldauff says she'll do all she can to help.

"They need a home for themselves, the dog, the kids, I don't know for school, whatever, I'm here," Baldauff said. "I love the dog and we love the family."

It's unclear what actually sparked the fire in the garage. The fire marshal is investigating the cause.

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