
DATE: Tuesday, September 9, 1997            TAG: 9709090264

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS                  LENGTH:   76 lines

FIREMAN BREATHES LIFE BACK INTO OVERCOME DOG 3 OTHER PETS DIE IN THE BLAZE THAT STRUCK A KILL DEVIL HILLS DUPLEX. FIRE GUTTED HALF OF A TWO-FAMILY DUPLEX MONDAY, BUT THE TRAGEDY MADE FIREFIGHTERS ONE DOG'S BEST FRIENDS.

Louis Viola, a 10-year fire department veteran, resuscitated a jet black pooch that had stopped breathing after being overcome by smoke.

``I never even thought,'' Viola said. ``I just reacted. There was no telling how long the dog had been down. I didn't believe it was going to pull out. I breathed into it for about five minutes, and it started to come around.''

Three other dogs - including one named April who was pregnant with pups - died in the blaze.

The fire at about 9:15 a.m. destroyed much of the interior of the northern half of the house at the corner of West Third Street and Sunset Avenue. Smoke and heat caused some damage in the other apartment.

Firefighters from Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk and Colington Volunteer fire departments fought the blaze. Two firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and two others heat exhaustion. An occupant suffered a minor cut after trying to rescue his pets, officials said. All were treated at the scene. The resident was later treated at a local hospital.

The rescued dog was gasping for air when firefighters found her in the south section of the duplex. By the time she was brought out and placed on the ground, the animal had stopped breathing.

Capt. Bill Jones and Firefighter Todd Slama brought the ailing dog from the smoldering remains of the frame house.

``The dog was taking agonal breaths,'' Viola said. ``Those are the last breaths before going into respiratory arrest.''

Firefighters then provided oxygen for the dog.

``With every minute, she seemed to get better,'' said Viola. ``She started wagging her tail as soon as she came around. We got the pound to come and get her, and she jumped into the back of the truck. But she seemed really calm. I felt really good that we were able tosave her. It was a team effort.''

Viola, 36, lives near the fire scene and was acquainted with the homeowners.

``We have a dog, a schnauzer named Harley Davidson,'' Viola said. ``We named it that because it's the closest I'll get to owning one. But it really hits home when the fire affects someone you know. I knew how much their dogs meant to them.''

Kill Devil Hills Fire Department Information Officer Glenn Rainey said firefighters reacted quickly to the blaze, and to save the animals.

``Our main concern as firefighters is the preservation of life and the preservation of property,'' Rainey said. ``Pets are like family for most people.''

The dog was taken to the Kill Devil Hills animal shelter for further treatment. A snake was also rescued from the house and was being cared for at the shelter. The pets will be taken care of without charge until their owners can pick them up, animal control officials said.

The exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation. The fire started in the kitchen.

``We think it was accidental and may have been caused by a small appliance,'' Chief Doug Penland said.

As for the rescue of the imperiled pooch, Penland said, ``We thought it was a goner. The guys did a great job.''

Viola's heroism carried with it a small price.

``I've been spitting out dog hairs all day,'' Viola said. ``But I'm glad we saved her. I wish we could have saved the others.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]

DREW C. WILSON/The Virginian-Pilot

Kill Devil Hills firefighter Louis Viola, at left above, visits with

the dog he helped resuscitate after Monday's fire. The dog and a

snake, both rescued from the blaze, are staying at the Kill Devil

Hills animal shelter until their owners can pick them up. In the

photo at right, Viola is at left breathing into the stricken dog's

throat. He had to continue the process for about five minutes until

the animal regained consciousness.

DARE COUNTY FIRE MARSHALL'S OFFICE KEYWORDS: RESCUE FIRE