A man was forced to jump from a first floor window to escape a house fire which killed a woman and three dogs.
He was one of two men who managed to escape the severe blaze before firefighters arrived, but sadly the woman and dogs could not get out and were confirmed dead at the scene in Spring Road, Wolverhampton.
The fire took hold of the two-story property in the Ettingshall area at about 2.30am today (May 25). Three fire engines and two ambulances were sent to the scene, BirminghamLive reports.
One of the men was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with serious injuries, including burns, while the other was suffering from smoke inhalation and taken to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "At 2.26am on Wednesday, May 25, we were called to a house fire on Spring Road, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton. Three fire engines and a brigade response vehicle responded, crewed by firefighters from Bilston, Wolverhampton and Dudley fire stations. The first appliance arrived three minutes after being mobilised.
"The incident involved a severe fire affecting both floors of the two-storey property. Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire, using hose reel jets.
"Two men had escaped prior to our arrival, one of whom jumped from the first-floor window. Both were treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital.
"Very sadly, one woman and three dogs were unable to escape the fire and were confirmed to have died at the scene. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.
"Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing."
Enquiries are ongoing and officers remain in the area. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 6556/24May. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
It comes amid a search to find a hero puppy who alerted his family to a devastating fire that killed two people.
Black Labrador Ged disappeared from his home following the blaze that tore through the terraced house in Distington, West Cumbria yesterday morning (May 22).
An appeal to help reunite Ged with his "heartbroken" owner has been launched by Mackenzie Leder, who helps search for lost dogs.
The 28-year-old said: "Ged was the hero in this. He alerted the family to the fire. We are desperately trying to bring him home. If anyone has any information please do get in touch."
The tragedy happened at Toll Bar Houses in the Cumbrian village of Distington early Sunday morning. Police received a report shortly before 5am.
Officers confirmed a 58-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl died at the scene.
It is understood Ged bolted after the blaze tore through the home and Mackenzie has launched an appeal on Facebook in the hope he will be found.
