A local couple in Woonsocket, R.I., consisting of veterinary technicians, narrowly escaped a fire that engulfed their home early Friday morning. Justin Barowski and his girlfriend were alerted by his brother just in time to evacuate their numerous rescue animals, including dogs, cats, geckos, fish, and snakes.
Having years of experience with rescue animals, they quickly sprang into action when smoke filled their home, managing to rescue all their pets. Barowski recalls feeling his way down a smoke-filled hallway to find one last cat, which he successfully brought to safety.
All their pets are now temporarily housed at Barowski’s parents’ home. The couple has also found a new apartment nearby, thanks to the support of the community, which rallied to help them after they posted about their situation on Facebook. Sunday brought additional good news, as members of their church offered to furnish their new home.
Barowski expressed gratitude to the community for their kindness, as well as to the first responders who helped during the incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it occurred shortly after a power outage at their residence.
