SW OKC House Fire Kills 11 Pets

A metro family is out of their home and mourning the loss of 11 pets after a fire in the 3700 block of SW 26 Street.

Fire crews were able to put it out quickly, but the smoke was too intense to save all 14 dogs inside.

Investigators said it was likely an electrical fire that caused $30,000 worth of damage to the home.

Despite the new issues with the home, Mark Watts and his wife said it hurts much more to be without their animals.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen now. I’ve lost everything,” Watts said Tuesday afternoon, looking defeated and distraught after what happened.

Just after 1 p.m. Tuesday when he was out, the Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to a panicked 911 call about his place.

“There’s smoke coming out of the house! My husband just kicked the front door open. There’s [sic] animals in the house,” the caller told dispatch.

Firefighters attacked the burning home from every angle and their search crews rush inside to find 14 dogs, many in cages and already overcome with the heavy smoke.

Barbara Newman watched from across the street.

“It’s devastating that you can’t just run in and grab them,” she said.

Three of the dogs escaped thanks to the neighbor who forced open the door, and the firefighters with special pet oxygen masks.

But the 11 others didn't make it, and for Watts, it's like losing family.

Fire crews said it's important to have a plan and a working smoke detector.

Animal welfare officials said Watts will not be cited, since he lost the animals that put him over the legal limit.

If anyone would like to help this family, email Christy.Lewis@news9.net for more information.