Tragic Blaze Claims Lives of Puppies and Dogs in South Phoenix

In a tragic incident in south Phoenix on Friday morning, a residential fire claimed the lives of nine dogs, including a litter of puppies. Homeowner Joseph Soza reported that he was awakened by the smell of smoke and attempted to rescue his pets, which ultimately resulted in heartbreaking consequences.

The fire occurred near 40th Street and Baseline Road. Soza managed to escape through the back door with four of his dogs but realized he could not reach the other animals in time. He described the harrowing moment he entered the home to save them, only to be met with flames and thick black smoke.

“It happened so fast,” Soza said of the devastating fire. Security footage captured his attempts to reach the side door leading to two additional dogs and seven newborn puppies.

Describing the chaos inside, Soza explained, “I couldn’t see, and I was afraid that if I went in deeper, I’m going to lose consciousness.” When later questioned about the presence of 13 dogs, he clarified that some belonged to his mother, who was visiting from out of state.

Phoenix firefighters responded quickly but discovered the dogs had already perished. Capt. Rob McDade emphasized that firefighters made every effort to save the animals and extinguish the flames, preventing further damage to nearby homes.

Soza believes the fire was sparked by a space heater used to keep the puppies warm. Although multiple heaters were found inside, the official cause of the fire remains under investigation. Sadly, Soza’s mobile home is now deemed a total loss as he grapples with the loss of his beloved pets. The community mourns alongside him during this difficult time.