ARIZONA NEWS
86-year-old woman, multiple dogs dead in Phoenix house fire
PHOENIX — A woman and multiple dogs died as a result of a Phoenix house fire Saturday, authorities said.
Crews responded to the blaze near 39th Avenue and Bell Road at about 12:50 p.m. and found the 86-year-old woman, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
The woman was taken to the hospital, where she died. Over 20 dogs were found in cages and a total of 37 were believed to be in the residence.
The Arizona Humane Society said it took in seven dogs who initially survived at its trauma hospital. Phoenix police said nine dogs ended up at the humane society.
One of the dogs was euthanized at the hospital due to smoke inhalation.
The surviving animals, which are toy poodles, are being monitored due to smoke intake.
The poodles, ranging in age from 11 weeks to 12 years old, also showed symptoms of living in hoard-like conditions. The dogs had ticks, matted and urine-soaked fur, and were underweight, according to AHS.
“This is a very sad case and our hearts go out to the woman and the dogs who lost their lives this weekend,” AHS said in a statement.
“At this time, the dogs’ ongoing medical care remains our No. 1 priority.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
