At approximately 1:45 a.m., the Fayette County 911 Center received a report of a possible house fire in the 300 block of 3rd Ave SE. The report indicated that some of the occupants were not able to get out of the residence. Upon arrival, officers observed a fire inside the residence and located the occupants of the residence on the rear roof of the structure. Oelwein MercyOne members and Oelwein Fire Department members arrived and rescued the human occupants and one dog from the roof.
The fire department was able to make entry into the residence and rescued another dog from the interior. Oelwein EMS then applied oxygen to this dog to assist with recovery from the extensive smoke inhalation. Unfortunately, a number of cats were not able to be rescued. The fire department was able to contain the fire to the kitchen area of the residence, which received extensive damage. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental at this time. The Hazleton Fire Department assisted the Oelwein departments with this call.
