St. Paul firefighters battled a stubborn blaze the city's east side on Thursday morning.
They also brought some relief to one family when they rescued their pet and holiday gifts.
Units were dispatched to 896 East 3rd St. at 9:54 a.m. smoke from coming from the roof of a dwelling. The temperature was hovering just above zero. Engines 7, 24 and 17, Ladder 7, Squad 3 and Chief 2 were assigned.
Crews found heavy smoke from the roof line and eaves of a large two-story dwelling. Engine 7's crew took a line into the structure to knock the fire while the ladder personnel started ventilation efforts. Many trees surrounded the house, hampering aerial ladders in the front and rear alley.
The working fire brought Engine 8 as the RIT as well as Ladder 8, Medic 22 and Chief 3.
As crews worked to open up the attic from below, Chief 2 noted heavy fire burning through the roof and called the companies out.
An exterior attack was performed with handlines from the ground. The fire dropped to the second floor.
Once the heavy fire conditions were knocked, crews began an interior attack and started overhaul. In the process, they found the family's pet. They also filled a tarp with wrapped gifts and gave them to the residents who were across the street.
The fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes.
The fire caused extensive damage to the structure, but damage estimates and the cause of the fire were unavailable.
