Firefighters respond to house fire in Columbia, rescue dog

UPDATE 12/18: The Columbia Fire Department has confirmed that Oatmeal, the dog rescued in the fire, has passed away.

UPDATE: 6:05 P.M.: ABC 17 News spoke with a woman who said it was her daughter’s home, but she was not there when the fire broke out.

Teki Grahl told ABC 17 News her daughter is currently with the dog “Oatmeal” who is breathing on his own, but is still not conscious.

UPDATE 4:40 P.M.: Assistant Fire Marshal Jim Pasley said the fire started in the kitchen. Damage is estimated at $25,000.

UPDATE 4:01 P.M.: According to an official press release, fire crews deployed a pre-connected hose line and performed an aggressive fire attack. The fire was brought under control in less than ten minutes.

The release also states that the Assistant Fire Marshal is on the scene performing a fire origin and cause investigation.

The dog that was rescued from the home was unresponsive but breathing. The dog was given oxygen and was taken a local veterinarian for treatment. A cat was found dead inside of the home.

UPDATE 3:14 P.M.: Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the house, but no one was home at the time of the fire.

Firefighters rescued one dog and that the fire was put out quickly.

Columbia Water and Light is on scene.

ORIGINAL STORY: Columbia firefighters responded to a house fire in the 500 block of Hunt Ave. on Friday afternoon.

According to public dispatch, ten emergency were sent to the scene.

ABC17 crews said the scene is very active and see smoke coming from the residence.

Hunt Ave. is currently blocked off, drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.

Stay with this story for the latest information.