A Lost City man was hailed a hero after he saved a dog from a raging fire that ravaged five homes on Saturday morning.
Seven-year-old Fiebie the dog was trapped inside the burning house in Moira Street when Eugene Gentles, 29, heard her yelping.
Fiebie belongs to Eugene’s sister Kooze Gentles, 27.
Kooze said without a thought, her brother dashed into the burning house, grabbed Fiebie and carried her to safety.
The Animal Welfare Society in Philippi treated Fiebie for her burn wounds on Saturday.
Spokesperson Allan Perrins said the hondjie, a brindle-coloured Afrikaner, who weighs 13kg, was vomiting when she arrived.
“She was placed on a drip and had her wounds treated,” he says.
“The nursing staff said she is burnt mostly by the belly area, inside of her ears and the front right leg .
“Given the nature of the wounds, she will stay with us for two weeks.
“She does have some hospital bills and the family would be grateful to people who can assist them.”
Kooze said she is just happy her trusted companion survived: “We might have lost everything in this fire, but we are happy to still have our entire family with us, Fiebie included.”
BRAVE: 29-year-old Eugene Gentles. Video: Venecia Valentine
Four other families were also affected by the fire, says Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
“Three adult females suffered from smoke inhalation and were treated on scene.”