Dog Saves Family from Fire in Eureka

Dogs are said to be 'man's best friend' in general, but it turns out they especially are best friends for people when a fire is coming!

A dog of the Colleen and Kelly Krask family in Eureka woke up family members due to a fire moving through the family's attic at 76 Edward Drive just before 1 a.m. Thursday morning. No injuries to the family, or to their two dogs and two cats, occurred.

Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Scott Mullins said firefighters were called onto the scene at 1:04 a.m. He said a preliminary assessment of the fire indicated its origin was in a shed in the back of the house. "The fire appears to have then moved through the eaves and into the house's attic."

Mullins said the fire is still under investigation, and that he has not ruled out any causes.

Deputy Chief Randy Gabel said the house sustained significant damage but was not a total loss. "The family evacuated safely and we got there in a matter of minutes, early enough to stop the fire. But the roof and second floor received damage that will keep the family out of it for at least several months."

owners at 312 North Central are serving as a collection point for immediate clothing donations for the family. Suggested sizes are:

• Girl 10 years old:  Juniors size 11-13
• Shoes women's size 9
• Boy 9 years old:  Boys size 8/10
• Shoes men's size 6
• Boy 16 years old:  Men's small size

Any donations would be appreciated.

Gabel said American Red Cross workers met with the family, and that they at least have relatives with whom they can stay for a while.

Brendan Krask is a sophomore at .