Dog’s life claimed in damaging 9th Ward housefire, other pets, couple safe

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Two people are displaced and a dog has died as the result of a two alarm fire in the 9th Ward on Friday, March 21.

Around 8:44 a.m., the New Orleans Fire Department was dispatched to the call of a house fire in the 4800 block of St. Claude Avenue. Responding firefighters arrived at 8:50 a.m. to find the upstairs rear of a wood framed two-story home engulfed in flames.

A second alarm was called soon after.

Firefighters reported that the couple stated they were okay but several pets were still inside including one pig, two dogs, and at least four cats. They add that a third dog was rescued before NOFD’s arrival.

A “very large pig” was the first to be rescued, according to NOFD officials. Followed by a large dog and a cat found hiding under the bed upstairs. A second cat reportedly jumped from the first story window and ran underneath the home once the flames were out.

Reportedly one dog was pronounced dead. Two cats are unaccounted for and the other pets received oxygen from NOFD officials and were assessed by the LASPCA.

The neighboring home received moderate damage to the exterior wall from the radiant heat, said firefighters.

A total of 21 NOFD units carrying 53 fire personnel were able to get the flames under control by 9:45 a.m. The couple told NOFD officials they believe the fire started from candles burning upstairs.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No other injuries were reported.

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