Dogs, Cats, Chinchilla Plucked from Fire in Palos Park

PALOS PARK, IL – A Palos Park family squeezed their pets a little tighter Friday night after the dogs and cats— and even a chinchilla — were pulled to safety during a fire at the family residence.

Three cats, two dogs, and the rodent were rescued by firefighters. Crews were called to 44 North Old Creek Road at 5 p.m. The fire appears to have started near a lawnmower outside the garage, then spread to the attached structure.

Homeowner Mike Panek described the scene.

"There was a noise coming from the garage area, I thought it might have been a raccoon or something," Panek said. "I went to check on it, there was a lot of fire."

Firefighters got the flames under control and removed the animals from inside the home.

"That was great, it was something we didn't expect," Panek said. "I was very happy they got them all out really quickly, they showed a lot of care for them."

Two of the cats were given oxygen to help regulate breathing. The homeowners reached for the cats—ages 10, 7, and 5—grateful they were safe. Palos Park police officers also helped with the animals after rescues.

Damage from the fire was contained to the garage. All human occupants were uninjured. Palos Heights, Chicago Ridge, Orland and Lemont firefighters assisted with the fire.

PHOTOS by TODD SHERMAN | NORTHERN ILLINOIS FIREGROUND PHOTOS