LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
The new year sparked to life when a house caught fire at the corner of Main and Roberts Street in Paris at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
Members of the Paris Fire Department braved the cold to respond and, as a result of the blaze, were forced to shut down Main Street near the intersection.
The owner of the home was not present when the blaze began or when firefighters arrived on the scene. One person exited the building claiming their dog woke them up and the building felt hot. The individual did not report any injuries to first responders on the scene.
The dog did not exit the burning building with the individual.
After several hours of battling the blaze, firefighters recovered the dog – a large, brown animal soaked with water and wide-eyed with fear. The lifesaving pup was immediately extracted from the building.
EMTs and firefighters provided oxygen and cuddles to the dog, as well as a leash and a blanket. The heroic animal quickly became the center of attention for many bystanders, officers and firefighters.
“I have no idea how he managed to survive,” EMT worker Jessie Lewsader said while working with the animal.
The fire decimated the residence. Fortunately, the quick response by the Paris fire department kept the Edgar County Historical Society, located across the street from the burning building, safe.
Several neighboring family homes were also protected.
“We are so incredibly grateful for our firemen and their quick response,” a neighboring resident said. “They (Members of the Paris Fire Department) instantly reassured us and our family that we would be safe and continued to keep us informed throughout the event. We are incredibly grateful for their service and dedication.”
Investigators with the Paris Fire Department and Paris Police Departments are currently working to uncover details surrounding the fire’s start and working with neighboring citizens to obtain camera footage.
Reporters with The Prairie Press have been reassured that the rescued dog, rumored to now be known by the name Lucky, is in safe hands and is being well cared for.
Just days after the inferno, firefighters responded to another blaze near Douglas Street. Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, a structure caught fire following a loud sound, possibly an explosion, that shook the neighborhood.
First responders were prompt in responding to the incident and no injuries were reported at the scene.
Once again, the fire annihilated the building and destroyed the possessions inside. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.