Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews, extinguishing a house fire at Singleton, in the Hunter Valley, have been stunned to see a pet dog emerge from the ruins, covered in fire-fighting foam.
The blaze broke out just after 6.30 this morning, causing a female resident to cry out for help. She fled the house and was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics, as FRNSW crews from Singleton, Branxton, Cessnock, Minmi, and Rutherford battled the blaze.
Harmless firefighting foam
Covered in soot and harmless firefighting foam, 'Black Diamond' was otherwise unscathed
With the house consumed by flames, firefighters set up a defensive perimeter to protect neighboring homes and gained control of the fire after an hour.
Determining the house was at risk of collapse, fire crews were dousing hot spots, when suddenly the woman's pet Chihuahua, named 'Black Diamond,' emerged from the ruins. Covered in soot and harmless firefighting foam, 'Black Diamond' was otherwise unscathed.
Firefighter on the thumb
Scared, however, he bit a firefighter on the thumb when she tried to approach him. The firefighter was treated in the hospital for a minor wound.
Fire crews cleaned the dog and set about getting him looked after and reunited with his owner. The home was destroyed. The cause remains unknown at this stage.
