HIGHLAND TWP. (WWJ) Deputies rescued a Highland Township woman, three other residents and a few animals (including a pig) from a burning home on Thanksgiving Day.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said deputies were called to a home on Milford (6500 block) between White Lake and Chana, just moments before midnight Thursday. They arrived to find the 41-year-old trapped in a basement. The only way out was through the garage, which was engulfed in flames; according to the sheriff.
Three other people were in other locations of the home.
Deputies found a small window that the woman could crawl through, but she refused because she worried about her exotic animals, birds, ferrets and other pets, the sheriff said.
Oakland County Sheriff
Oakland County Sheriff
"As the flames spread, Deputies broke out a small basement access window, grabbed her wrists and pull her to safety," the press release read.
She had over $10,000 worth of exotic pets in the house, according to the sheriff.
The woman and the other residents were taken to a local hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. They are all expected to be all right.
"The quick actions of these Deputies saved this woman's life," Bouchard said. "The fire was spreading rapidly throughout the garage and the living area of this home. Deputies quickly assessed the situation, found a safe way from the home and pulled her to safety, despite her reluctance to leave. We were able to save a few of the animals but more importantly, this woman is alive today. A Thanksgiving Day tragedy was avoided."
A pig and three dogs were among the rescued.
The $350,000 house is a "total loss," according to the sheriff.
Fire investigators believe the flames broke out when a family dog kicked over a heater in the garage onto a straw mat.
