Every Family Member Safe: Glyndon Firefighters Rescue Dog from House Fire

A house fire displaces a family of six in Glyndon.

But homeowners feared the fire could have resulted in a much greater tragedy.

It was a very rude awakening for Christine Messerschmidt. The only person in the house when the fire broke out, she escaped unharmed.

“I woke up to the smell of smoke and as I looked over to the bedroom and it was in flames. I couldn’t see nowhere in the house it was all black smoke,” Messerschmidt says.
 
The home she shared with five other family members was on fire. She rushed out as soon as she could.
 
She adds, “I had a tank top and underwear on when I had to call 911.”
 
Firefighters arrived shortly. Her family joined her, and neighbors gave Christine clothing. One thing was missing, the family dog, Marley. Firefighters rushed into the home.
 
Glyndon Assistant Fire Chief Brock Franke says, “She was able to provide information as to where the dog was.”
 
Marley remained in the house for over a half hour after firefighters arrived on scene.

Homeowners say they never thought they would see their little buddy alive again.

But eventually they emerged, Marley in hand, bringing tears to his owners’ eyes.

He may have been confused, scared, and bit the hand that rescued him, but Marley was alright.
 
Messerschmidt says “I was relieved to see him, because my grandpa, he is his little buddy.”
 
The home is uninhabitable, but thanks to first responders, the family is still together.
 
“It was a good relief, yeah,” says Franke.

Firefighters haven’t determined the cause of the fire. They did say they were able to contain the flamed to a couple of rooms.

The homeowners say everything they had was in the home, but they’re confident friends and family will step in to help in their time of need.

The Red Cross has helped the family find a hotel room and various supplies for the next few days.