WINONA – An elderly man was rescued from a burning house by civilians working nearby, according to a fireman at the scene.
Bernard Yates, owner of a home located at 821 Highway 407, trapped in a bedroom in the house while smoke filled the living room and home at the house.
Montgomery County Deputy Barry Gregg said Yates’ neighbors and contractors working nearby saw the smoke and pulled Yates from the window to safety.
According to Lt. Gwain Jefcoat with the Winona Fire Department, three engines responded to the blaze, and upon arrival, firefighters checked to see if anyone was still inside the home. No one was still inside the home, but firemen did pull two of the family dogs from the house and tried to resuscitate one of them. However, neither survived the ordeal.
According to Yates’ granddaughter, Amanda Cirilo, the house was a complete loss, and her grandfather lost not only the two dogs, but he also lost a parrot, snake, and fish in the blaze.
Cirilo posted on social media, “Thank you to the firefighters for trying to resuscitate one of the two fur babies even though he didn't make it. Thank you for all your prayers, texts, calls, etc. Thank you to the ones that have helped out in any way today, tomorrow, and the days to come.”
