Springfield Townhouse Basement Blaze Claims Life of Dog

Springfield firefighters rushed to battle an early afternoon fire at a township apartment that claimed the life of a dog.

Shortly after 1 p.m., Springfield fire fighters arrived at the upscale housing development at 955 South Springfield Ave. in response to reports of a fire in the basement.

The owner of the townhouse-style home said she was home at the time of the fire, but declined to elaborate.

Emergency communications report the dog was dead when emergency responders arrived.

Springfield Fire Chief James Sanford said that no people were hurt, but that a dog was killed. Springfield fire, aided by staff from Union, Millburn, Summit, Westfield and Scotch Plains, were able to contain the fire to the basement. Members of the Springfield First Aid Squad were on scene assisting as well, providing firefighters with water, towels and temporary shelter to cope with the day's sweltering 90-plus degree heat.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Sanford said Union County’s fire investigators would be working on the incident.