Six Dogs Die, 32 Rescued From Texas Foster Home Fire

A devastating house fire claimed the lives of six dogs while 32 others were rescued from a foster home in far west Bexar County on Friday morning, authorities confirmed.

The blaze, which completely destroyed the residence, has prompted an outpouring of support from the local rescue community as survivors receive medical treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

Heroic Rescue Efforts Amid Fast-Moving Blaze

According to Bexar County emergency officials, the homeowner was awakened by one of her dogs barking persistently just before discovering her front porch engulfed in flames. “The owner of the house was awoken by one of her personal dogs who was barking,” recounted Ashley Book from 4 Little Paws Rescue to KENS5.

Emergency responders arrived to find the structure already heavily involved, with a total of 38 dogs inside the residence. Five dogs perished at the scene, while a sixth later died at a veterinary clinic despite treatment efforts.

The rural location complicated firefighting efforts, as the area lacks city water infrastructure. Water tankers were required to battle the blaze, which took several hours to fully extinguish.

Medical Response for Surviving Animals

Division Chief for Community Outreach and Prevention Rudy Khalaf confirmed that several dogs received oxygen treatment at the scene. Local veterinary clinics mobilized to treat approximately 15 dogs for burns and smoke inhalation, according to KSAT.

While most of the rescued dogs are expected to survive, at least one remains in critical condition. The traumatic incident has deeply affected the foster caregiver, who reportedly spent Friday monitoring the surviving dogs at various veterinary facilities.

“She is obviously devastated by the loss of some of her personal pets and of course the fosters. I think she would have given her life, if they could still be alive,” Book told reporters.

Foster Community Rallies with Support

The incident has highlighted both the dedication of animal rescuers and the challenges faced by those caring for multiple animals. Local rescue organizations have begun coordinating efforts to place the surviving dogs in new foster homes.

Destiny Vanzandt, another rescuer familiar with the homeowner, told KSAT that the caregiver was well-known for her expertise with medical cases. “She was one of the head people or the one of the main medical fosters, and she cared for them.”

The Connecticut-based 4 Little Paws Rescue is assisting with coordinating foster care for the displaced animals. “We are still looking for fosters,” Vanzandt said. “So far, we’ve had one confirmed foster, and she’s already picked up two dogs.”

Investigation Continues as Needs Emerge

Fire officials have not yet determined what caused the blaze that destroyed the home in the 12000 block of Grapevine Street. The investigation remains ongoing.

Rescue representatives emphasized that the incident highlights the need for more foster homes in Bexar County to prevent animal overcrowding in single residences. Those interested in helping can contact 4 Little Paws Rescue through their website or social media channels.

“Sometimes we do need to limit ourselves because this was a lot of dogs for her to care for on her own,” Vanzandt noted, reflecting on the difficult balance rescuers face between helping animals and maintaining manageable numbers.