MORROW COUNTY, Ohio — About 70 dogs died during a fire at a kennel described as a puppy mill by authorities in Morrow County early Tuesday morning.
Johnsville Fire Chief Harlen Barrick said crews were called out to a residence in the 4800 block of state Route 314 around 1 a.m.
According to a report, firefighters arrived at the property and found the kennel was already partially collapsed. The owner said they were able to open a few of the exterior kennels and 17 dogs were able to escape. A firefighter found another puppy alive, hiding in a corner of the building. The puppy ran under a fallen roof and into an open area before a firefighter caught it.
An investigation revealed the fire most likely originated in the area of a wood burning stove. It's unclear if the fire started within the chimney of the stove or combustibles close to the stove.
It took firefighters about 40 minutes to put out the fire.
Barrick said it was one of the most emotional scenes he has worked in 40 years as a firefighter.
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