Olive Branch House Fire: 2 People, 5 Dogs Rescued

An Olive Branch house fire on Oak Leaf Drive Thursday night ended with two elderly residents and five dogs pulled to safety, after Olive Branch Fire Department crews found a man trapped in a back bathroom as smoke and flames spread through the home.

Firefighters were called to the house around 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. Officials expect the man, who was hospitalized with smoke inhalation and burns, to make a full recovery.

How Crews Handled the Olive Branch House Fire

When the first fire units arrived, they helped an elderly woman and two of the family’s dogs get out of the house. The woman was taken to a local hospital to be checked out.

Crews then went inside, where they met heavy smoke and fire moving through the kitchen and living room. During their search of the home, firefighters found an elderly man trapped in a bathroom at the back of the house and brought him out.

The man was taken to Regional One Health in Memphis. He was treated for smoke inhalation and burns to his esophagus, according to the fire department’s account of the call as reported by Action News 5.

Three More Dogs Found Inside

The search also turned up three more dogs inside the home. Firefighters rescued them and treated them at the scene, bringing the number of dogs saved to five.

• Location: Oak Leaf Drive, Olive Branch
• Time: About 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29
• People rescued: 2 (an elderly woman and an elderly man)
• Pets rescued: 5 dogs
• Origin: The kitchen; the exact cause is still under investigation

Cause Under Investigation

Investigators determined that the fire started in the kitchen, but they have not said what caused it. No other injuries were reported.

Kitchen fires are among the most common causes of house fires. Fire officials routinely remind residents to stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep flammable items away from the stovetop, and make sure smoke alarms are tested and working, especially in homes with older residents who may need more time to get out.

Fire Safety Reminders for DeSoto County Families

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. This weekend’s time change is a good reminder.
• Plan and practice two ways out of every room.
• Keep bedroom and bathroom doors closed at night to slow the spread of smoke.
• Once you’re out, stay out. Tell firefighters about any people or pets still inside instead of going back in.

It was the second notable animal rescue for Olive Branch firefighters this month, after crews freed a horse stuck in mud on Oct. 21. City leaders also recently thanked local emergency personnel for their year-round service.

Source: Action News 5 (WMC)