Dog rescued from burning Townsend home, resuscitated by firefighters

TOWNSEND, Mass — A home that caught fire in Townsend is a complete loss, but firefighters were able to save a pet before the house was ravaged by flames.

The fire, at 205 Main Street, was first reported by a person passing by Sunday morning shortly after 10.

Townsend Fire Chief Gary Shepherd said the first and second floors of the home were already compromised by the time firefighters arrived.

Firefighters still rushed toward the danger when they were told that a dog was inside the burning home.

“They went into the rear of the building and found an unconscious dog,” said Chief Shepherd. “[They] retrieved the dog, resuscitated the dog and my understanding, they gave it air and oxygen. The dog was alive and walking around.”

It wasn’t long before the fire was moved up to five alarms.

Firefighters from Townsend and 14 neighboring communities spent most of the day fighting the stubborn flames.

“It’s been really stubborn to get to it. We think we get it and it manifests itself and then it pops back up,” said Chief Shepherd.

Chief Shepherd told Boston 25 News that no one was inside the home when the flames ignited.

He said it’s still unclear exactly where the fire started in the house.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is now working to determine a cause.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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