ARIZONA NEWS

Hot dog! Scottsdale firefighters work for 7 hours to rescue dog trapped in house

Oct 11, 2024, 5:00 PM | Updated: Oct 14, 2024, 8:02 am

PHOENIX — A technical rescue team with the Scottsdale Fire Department worked on Tuesday night to save a trapped canine.

Scottsdale Fire received the family’s call for help around 7 p.m.

The 14-person team that took on the job worked to save the Scottsdale dog from where she’d become trapped in her home until 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Why did Scottsdale dog need rescue?

Bella, an American Bulldog, had gone headfirst into an underground system called an earth tube.

These systems are designed to help keep homes cool or warm by moving air underground. However, they can be dangerous for pets like Bella who wander too close.

The tube had been open for Bella to fall into because the homeowner had arranged a construction project on a guest bedroom and bathroom in the east part of the home.

It’s possible Bella didn’t see the 14-inch Earth tube because it was dark and uncovered, according to Scottsdale Fire Capt. David Folio.

“They placed their phone into the hole and could see her,” Folio told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday. “They attempted to get her to step into a rope with a piece of chicken, but she didn’t come close enough.”

After the Scottsdale dog fell down, her family couldn’t get a hold of either animal control or the construction company they hired to do the renovations.

How did technical rescue team save Scottsdale dog?

The specialized rescue teams who saved Bella used a variety of high-tech gadgets to “fetch” her from the hole she was trapped in.

One of those gadgets was the Savox Hasty Searchcam 3000, which helped them find Bella in the underground space.

They also used rotohammers, which break up concrete, air chisels, which help cut through tough materials, and a type of saw called a Sawzall to excavate the area.

Throughout the operation, the teams paid close attention to the air quality to make sure the air was ventilated. This step was necessary to ensure the rescue mission was safe for everyone involved.

After many hours of hard work, Bella finally was free to reunite with her family.

“This was a challenging rescue, but our team was dedicated to ensuring Bella’s safety,” Folio said. “We’re so happy to see her back with her family.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A teenager was fatally wounded in a shooting on Oct. 30, 2024, according to the Phoenix Police Depa...

KTAR.com

Police trying to identify suspect after teen killed in south Phoenix shooting

Police are trying to identify a suspect in a south Phoenix shooting that claimed the life of a teenager earlier this week.

6 hours ago

Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting...

Associated Press

Apache County Attorney has salary stripped, law license suspended

The Apache County Attorney who faces criminal charges of misusing public funds will be stripped of his salary just days before standing unopposed for reelection as a Democrat.

8 hours ago

Maricopa County employees...

Associated Press

Maricopa County employees taking on extra shifts to help process early ballots

Maricopa County employees are taking on extra shifts to help election workers with an around-the-clock operation to process early ballots that are an unusually long two pages.

10 hours ago

Phoenix Children's...

Angela Gonzales/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix Children’s walks away from giant health insurance contract

Phoenix Children's, one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems, turned down an $80 million offer from one of Arizona's largest health insurers in a heated contract dispute.

11 hours ago

Judge gavel and baby crib...

Payne Moses

Suspect arrested 38 years after sexual assault, kidnapping case opened in Phoenix

After 38 years, a suspect accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Phoenix toddler was identified and arrested.

12 hours ago

...

Sponsored Content by Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Sponsored Articles

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Act Now: Secure Your HVAC Equipment Before Prices Rise in 2025!

Phoenix, AZ – As the year draws to a close, Collins Comfort Masters is urging homeowners and businesses to take advantage of current pricing on HVAC equipment.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

Hot dog! Scottsdale firefighters work for 7 hours to rescue dog trapped in house