TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – A fire Tuesday night had Arlington firefighters battling frigid temps and a blaze, and resulted in six dead dogs, with several more canines suffering potentially deadly injuries. The Lewis Avenue blaze was reported around 6:30 p.m.
Arlington professional firefighters arrived at 22 Lewis Avenue, joined by Town of Poughkeepsie Police and other officials for a report of a fire in a detached garage behind the residence.
Firefighters found the multi-bay garage engulfed in flames upon arrival. While making their way to the garage, they encountered a few dogs chained to outdoor kennels in the 14-degree weather.
Firefighters, according to Arlington Fire District Chief Bill Steenbergh, gained entry to the garage by opening a bay door. When the door was lifted, according to a firefighter, “Several puppies ran out.”
When the blaze was finally extinguished, the firefighters recovered at least six dead canines. Several other dogs, with life-threatening injuries, were removed and held until authorities could take custody. As of 7:30 p.m., no agents from the Dutchess County SPCA had responded to the scene.
Several Town of Poughkeepsie Police investigators were on the scene conducting an investigation into the canines. The Arlington Fire District was trying to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Additional information will be published as it becomes available.
