Dog Rescue Amid Latrobe House Fire Sparks Safety Concerns

Latrobe, Pa. — A house fire in Latrobe Thursday night resulted in the rescue of two dogs trapped inside, highlighting safety concerns regarding gas grills.

The fire started around 7 p.m. on Chambers Street when a gas grill left cooling on a back porch caught fire. Fortunately, no people were home at the time, but two dogs, Bingo and Arthur, were inside the house.

Owner Michelle Obarto, who has lived in the home for over 35 years, rushed home upon hearing the news. “Please let me find my dogs and let them be OK,” she said. “That’s all I could think about, was my dogs.”

Lucky for Obarto, she lives mere blocks from two fire stations, which enabled a rapid response. Neighbors also intervened, hearing the dogs barking and seeing the smoke. One neighbor kicked the door open, allowing Bingo to escape quickly. Arthur, however, jumped into a fire truck when a firefighter opened the door.

“I’m grateful to my neighbors and the firefighters for saving my dogs,” Obarto expressed. She was emotional when reunited with Arthur moments later.

Latrobe Fire Chief John Brasile praised his crew for their quick action, stating that no humans or pets were harmed in the incident. However, he emphasized the importance of grill safety, reminding residents to keep grills at least six feet away from homes to prevent similar fires in the future.

The house sustained extensive damage, estimated at over 60%, and is likely a total loss. “If you have a grill, keep it away from your house to avoid retaining heat that can lead to fire,” Chief Brasile advised.

Michelle Obarto and her dogs are currently staying with family as they navigate the aftermath of the fire.