Homeowner, three dogs rescued from house fire in Cherry Grove

By RUBEN LOWMAN

At approximately 11 a.m. on Monday morning, Feb. 13, North Myrtle Beach Fire rescue crews and personnel were alerted to a structure fire on 26th Avenue North in Cherry Grove.

NMBFR Engine 2 arrived and reported finding a working fire in the two-story home and began initial fire attack inside the home.

Crews encountered zero visibility and high heat conditions with a rapidly progressing fire through the attic space of the home.

A 2nd alarm assignment was requested, which brought mutual aid from Horry County Fire Rescue to the scene.

City and county crews were able to get a quick knockdown of the active fire and began a long operation of overhaul to extinguish the remaining fire and hot spots.

There were five dogs inside of the residence at the time of the fire. The homeowner was able to rescue one and a neighbor assisted in rescuing a second one.

Initial crews on the scene were able to save a third dog. A fourth dog was pulled out by crews and CPR was initiated but unfortunately the dog had suffered too much smoke inhalation and succumbed to its injuries. A fifth dog was located after the initial fire was knocked down and succumbed to its injuries as well.

One of the homeowners received treatment on the scene for smoke inhalation and was transported to the emergency room for further evaluation.

City and county fire and rescue crews remained on the scene until around 3:30 p.m. before clearing the area and returning to service.

Myrtle Beach Fire Department and Calabash Fire Department provided coverage for the city while crews worked on scene.