LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, members of the Paris Fire Department braved the cold to respond to a house fire at the corner of Main and Roberts Street in Paris. As a result of the blaze, firefighters were forced to shut down Main Street near the intersection.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
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. They will work with the Edgar County Animal Shelter to ensure the K9 has a warm place to sleep and receives any necessary care.
“I have no idea how he managed to survive,” a firefighter told a Prairie Press reporter on the scene.
The residence was decimated by the fire. 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.
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.
This is an unfolding story. The Prairie Press will provide additional information as it becomes available.