Byram firefighters rescue pets

Byram - Two family pets were rescued by township firefighters, as they fought a house fire at the Bott home at 2 Dogwood Road in the East Brookwood section of the township. The call reporting a structure fire came in at 7:36 a.m., Jan. 8, according to the fire department. Engine 101 was first on the scene and its crew entered the home through the basement. They found a cat unconscious from the smoke. Captain Paul Matarazzo aided the animal until oxygen could be administered. Tanker 107 supplied water until additional units could reach the scene. Engine 104 also came to the fire, along with mutual aid units from Stanhope, Netcong and Budd Lake. The fire was contained in 15 minutes and the crews waited for the power company to shut off power to the house. They then entered to search for a missing dog. Firefighter Mike Henry found it hiding under a bed, and said, “The dog was happy to see me.” No one else was injured and the pets were taken to a vet for observation. Fire Chief Paul Conklin said damage was minimal and the fire may have been electrical in origin. The fire is currently under investigation. (See related photos on page 12.)