Three Dogs Rescued After Tallahassee Structure Fire

Homeowner sustains smoke inhalation while attempting to save pets

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Tallahassee Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Villamore Avenue on Wednesday evening, where they found smoke coming from a workshop behind a residence. Firefighters were able to rescue three dogs from the scene, but the homeowner sustained smoke inhalation while trying to save the animals before crews arrived. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Why it matters

Structure fires pose a serious threat to both people and pets, and this incident highlights the importance of fire safety and preparedness. The fact that the homeowner was willing to risk their own safety to try and rescue their animals is a testament to the strong bond between people and their pets, but also underscores the need for proper fire prevention and emergency planning.

The details

According to the Tallahassee Fire Department, the fire occurred just after 5 p.m. in a workshop located behind a residence on Villamore Avenue. Firefighters saw a column of black smoke in the area as they responded to the call. Once on the scene, crews found smoke coming from the back corner of the property and were able to bring the fire under control in about 10 minutes. The fire did not extend into the main residence, but the homeowner sustained smoke inhalation while attempting to rescue their three dogs before firefighters arrived. The dogs were successfully rescued by the fire department.

  • The incident occurred just after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 10 minutes.

The players

Tallahassee Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and extinguished the structure fire on Villamore Avenue.

Homeowner

The resident of the home where the workshop fire occurred, who sustained smoke inhalation while trying to rescue their three dogs before firefighters arrived.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thankfully, the fire did not extend into the residence.”

— Tallahassee Fire Department

What’s next

The Tallahassee Fire Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of fire safety and preparedness, as well as the strong bond between people and their pets. While the homeowner's actions were admirable, it also highlights the risks involved in trying to rescue animals from a structure fire. Proper fire prevention and emergency planning can help avoid such dangerous situations.