In a remarkable rescue operation that transpired on a Tuesday night, a specially trained technical team from the Scottsdale Fire Department sprung into action to save a trapped canine.
The department’s line received a distress call around 7 p.m., alerting them about a dog trapped inside a home. The timely response summoned a 14-person team that worked incessantly to liberate the animal. The grueling rescue mission lasted until the wee hours of 2 a.m. the following day, highlighting the dedicated efforts of the rescue team who refused to call it a night until the dog was safely released.
The trapped dog, named Bella, belonged to the unique breed of American Bulldogs. Bella had unknowingly wandered headfirst into a perilous underground system known as an earth tube. These tubes, designed to regulate temperature inside homes by facilitating the movement of air underground, had inadvertently become a trap for Bella.
The dog was able to access the tube due to ongoing construction work happening in the eastern end of the residence. The work, which primarily involved the renovation of a guest bedroom and bathroom, left the entrance of the earth tube open and unobserved, providing an open invitation for Bella to venture into the unknown. It is surmised that the 14-inch opening of the tube escaped Bella’s notice due to the dark conditions within.
Scottsdale Fire Captain David Folio shared some insights into the incident. According to him, when Bella went missing, the anxious family discovered her location by looking into the tube with the aid of their cell phone light. Their primary rescue attempt involved luring Bella out of the tube with a piece of chicken attached to a rope. However, the effort proved futile as the dog failed to get within a reachable distance.
The family failed to contact the animal control department and could not connect with the construction company involved in the home renovation. In this situation, the specialized rescue team from the fire department became their ultimate lifesavers.
Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and devices, the team began their complex rescue mission. They relied upon high-tech gadgets to locate Bella inside the tube, including the sophisticated Savox Hasty Searchcam 3000, a unique search camera. Besides, rotohammers were utilized to break through sturdy concrete blocks, and air chisels served the purpose of cutting through robust materials. A Sawzall, a powerful saw, was employed to create an excavation path towards the trapped animal.
A crucial part of the rescue operation was diligently monitoring air quality throughout the process. The team ensured consistent ventilation to maintain safety during the rescue mission.
After investing rigorous hours in the operation, the team finally succeeded in releasing Bella, marking an end to her ordeal. The reunion of Bella and her family was a joyous and victorious moment, signifying the success of the operation.
Captain Folio expressed his satisfaction at the successful mission. He emphasized the challenging nature of Bella’s rescue. However, the team remained undeterred and committed to their duty, prioritising Bella’s safety. The picture of Bella reunited with her family was a testament to the squad’s dedicated efforts and their relentless commitment to aid distressed animals and their families.
