On September 24, a trailer home in the 600 block of Sweet Avenue in south Bismarck caught fire, leaving five dogs dead and one iguana as the lone surviving pet. No people were injured, and the cause remains under investigation.
The blaze was reported in the early evening, with firefighters arriving to find heavy smoke pouring from the trailer. The fire appeared to have started in the kitchen area, where flames were quickly spreading. Responders acted swiftly to control the fire and rescue the animals inside, but only the iguana survived.
For residents of South Bismarck, this incident underscores both the risks of sudden household fires and the importance of fire safety awareness. While no neighbors were physically harmed, the tragedy of losing beloved pets has left the community shaken. Fire officials are reminding residents to check smoke detectors and review emergency evacuation plans.
A neighbor who witnessed the fire shared: “It was heartbreaking. You could hear the firefighters rushing to get the pets out. We’re just thankful no one in the family was hurt.”
“Our crews did everything they could to contain the fire and save the animals. Unfortunately, the smoke was too heavy for the dogs,” said a Bismarck Fire Department spokesperson.
As investigators work to determine the fire’s cause, the family and neighbors are left to grieve the loss of the dogs while finding solace in the survival of the iguana. Community members have expressed support, with several residents already discussing ways to help the affected household.
