MINERAL WELLS, Texas -- A day after an apartment building burned to the ground, three pets were rescued from beneath the rubble by firefighters.
Two dogs and a cat were discovered this morning buried in the debris. They were taken to the animal shelter in Mineral Wells covered in ash, but they appear to be okay.
"We're hoping they'll get reunited either today or tomorrow," said Kim Marinaro, the animal shelter coordinator.
The animals' owners were forced from their apartments yesterday just after noon. A fire engulfed the building, sending residents fleeing the two-story structure.
"People were really trying to get back in for their pets and their personal belongings," said Asst. Chief Ryan Dunn with the Mineral Wells Fire Department.
Several residents were not able to escape with their animals. Residents said dogs, cats and birds were lost. At least one animal carcass was visible in the debris.
"It basically engulfed the backside in a matter of seconds," said resident James Garland.
Garland and his wife and stepson were in Apartment One when they heard someone bang on their door. "Opened the door, and he said fire!" recalled wife Victoria Fullbright.
The family lost all of their photographs, clothing and other possessions. They are staying with other survivors in a nearby motel, paid for by the Red Cross. They said they are grateful that they at least have their four dogs with them.
Mineral Wells Police said they arrested a man named Jerry Duane Holder II in connection with the fire. He is charged with arson. Neighbors said that he was a resident in the building who lived with his girlfriend, and police confirmed that he was arrested there Sunday for disorderly conduct. He was released Monday morning, and just a short time later, he returned to the apartment and the fire started.
Neighbors said he was bragging about starting the fire. "He didn't want to do a chore and got mad, and caught the apartment on fire," said Garland.