Family dog helps residents escape fire

At around 12:30 Friday morning, South Bend fire crews were called out to the 1000 Block of West Linden Ave.

When they arrived, they were met by blazing flames and a crumbling building.

According to Chief Battalion Mark Catanzarite, the front porch of this home collapsed before firefighters even approached the residence.

Within twenty minutes, a ferocious fire turned into a heavy blanket of smoke but although the home on Linden Avenue could be a total loss, one family has their dog to thank for each other.

“The tenant explained that smoke detectors and pet awakened him from their sleep and were able to escape the residence safely,” said Catanzarite.

Two people and their dog were inside the home at the time of the fire.

The cause is still being investigated and foul play hasn’t been ruled out yet.

ABC 57 News will keep you updated on this story as more information unfolds.