Family dog saves its owner after home catches fire and smoke alarms failed
A family dog saved its owner from a massive house fire.
The incident happened on Thursday around 11:40 p.m. in Wahoo, Nebraska.
According to a news release from Wahoo police, the family’s Alaskan Husky/Malamute mix, Elle, woke up her owner, Daniel Naillieux, after becoming frantic inside the home.
Daniel said he woke up to find his bedroom filling with smoke.
“I didn’t hear any smoke alarms, but I just thought, OK, something’s going on,” Daniel said.
The news release said that by the time Daniel awoke, the home was filled with smoke.
Police said the home’s smoke alarms failed.
Both Daniel and the dog tried to escape down the stairs but found that the first floor had already been consumed by flames. The man then decided to take Elle and climb onto the roof of the home, where he used his cellphone to call 911.
“I tried to take a few steps down the steps and realized I can’t breathe this smoke,” Daniel said.
Daniel told dispatchers a ladder was located along the side of the house. When Wahoo Police Officer Chase Mecseji arrived, he located the ladder and used it to help Daniel and Elle safely get off the roof.
Wahoo Police Chief Joseph Baudler said the officer remained calm throughout the rescue.
“He was able to grab the ladder, run around the back of the house, help the guy get his dog off the roof and then get himself off as well,” Baudler said.
Daniel said he believes Elle’s actions ultimately saved his life.
“If she wasn’t here, I don’t think I would have woke up,” Daniel said. “I’ve never been more thankful of a dog in my life.”
Both he and Elle were unharmed.
According to the news release, the home is a total loss, and the family lost all of their belongings.
The man’s wife and their children were not home at the time of the blaze.
Wahoo police commended the actions of both Elle and the responding officer.
If anyone would like to help the family, you can use the QR code below to donate to Saunders County Victim Assistance.
