CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A family lost 26 of their beloved pets Saturday afternoon in a fire at a home on Dygert Court.
According to Deputy Chief Ray Williams with Clarksville Fire Rescue, the fire was reported at 2:45 p.m. and was extinguished by 3:09 p.m. Investigators believe the fire, which began in the kitchen at the rear of the home, was accidental.
No one was home at the time, but 26 dogs that were inside the house died as a result of smoke inhalation, according to Animal Control Director Jeanette Farrell.
Sixteen dogs that were in the garage survived the fire. These dogs do not belong to the homeowners but were enrolled in a training school that the homeowners operate. The surviving animals were taken into custody by Montgomery County Animal Control and have since been returned to their families.
All 27 dogs that died in the fire belonged to the homeowners. Farrell said the dogs were well cared for and the house and property were clean.
“This is a tragic situation and the owners are distraught,” Farrell said. “Our hearts go out to them.”
Williams said the home is not a total loss but is not habitable at this time.
*Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story said 27 dogs were killed and 14 survived. This has since been updated to reflect the correct numbers.