Man Risks Life to Save Dog From Fire

By Sandy McGee

One man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of "cardiac symptoms" after he attempted to save his dog from a fire at his Duffy Terrace duplex. 

A Portsmouth firefighter saved the dog, but a family cat died in Tuesday's fire, according to the Portsmouth Fire Department.  

At 2:50 p.m., Portsmouth firefighters received multiple 911 calls reporting a house fire at 34 Duffy Terrace. Smoke was visible from the fire station on East Main Road, despite the fire being more than a mile away. 

Prior to arrival, a second alarm was ordered, sending companies from Bristol, Tiverton, Middletown and Naval Station Newport to the scene.

Portsmouth crews arrived to find half of the building engulfed in flames. Crews quickly stretched lines and stopped the fire from spreading.

"A man was found in the adjacent home attempting to rescue a large Rottweiler," wrote Deputy Chief Michael O'Brien in an e-mail. "The man was driven back by high heat and smoke. 

"Firefighter Andrew White entered the house, located the dog and drove the pet from the home." The dog was evaluated and found to be distressed, but later improved. 

A family cat was found dead in the home. 

The man, who attempted to rescue the dog, began to experience cardiac symptoms, "most likely due to exposure to smoke," according to O'Brien. A Middletown ambulance brought him to Charlton Memorial.

The fire appears to have been accidental, but the cause is under investigation.

No other injuries were reported. However, the fire caused heavy damage to the duplex unit. Two families have been displaced.