Local

Fire destroys Sanford home, crews save dog

SANFORD, Fla. — A fire destroyed a Sanford home Sunday afternoon but the homeowner told WFTV he’s just grateful his son got out of the home safely and that firefighters were able to rescue his dog.

“My son came out and his room, which was completely black with smoke, and when they came, I was like, the dog’s still in there,” said the homeowner, Tom Bryant.

Firefighter Nick Foren, who’s been with the department 18 months, lifted the 100-pound dog through the second-floor window, cradled it to his chest and climbed down.

Foren said it became a team effort to save the dog after a fellow firefighter first spotted the animal in the thick smoke.

He said he sprang into action to save the dog.

“He was a little nervous, I could feel it. I don't think he took a breath from the top of the ladder to the ground, I was holding him so tight, so he was safe,” Foren said. “It feels good to help somebody out, you can't replace a dog.”

Investigators still don’t know what caused the fire.