A couple in Woonsocket, R.I., are grateful their rescue animals survived a fire that broke out in their home early Friday morning. Veterinary technicians Justin Barowski and his girlfriend were alerted by his brother just after 2 a.m. when flames were spreading. They had to act quickly to save their various rescue pets, which include dogs, cats, geckos, and snakes.
Barowski described how they gathered their larger animals and escaped through a window. After several trips, he managed to locate their last cat in the smoke-filled house. Fortunately, all pets were rescued and are now being cared for temporarily at the couple’s parents’ home.
Since the incident, the community has rallied around the couple, helping them secure a new apartment and offering to furnish it. Barowski expressed his gratitude for the support and praised the swift response from local police and firefighters. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it reportedly started after a power outage.
