Indiana firefighters rescue raccoons from burning warehouse in South Bend

It is not unusual for firefighters to rescue cats or dogs from burning buildings. Saving raccoons happens less often.

Firefighters in Indiana used ladders to rescue a pair of raccoons from a warehouse fire that started Sunday in South Bend, WRTV reported.

The animals were stuck on the roof of the warehouse, according to WTHR.

A video posted by the South Bend Fire Department shows two ladders propped against the warehouse. The raccoons climbed down the ladder and leaped to the ground, WRTV reported.

"Some people would ask, 'Why save the raccoons?' Life safety and property conservation are two priorities on a fire scene," the South Bend Police Department said in a Facebook post. "Thanks to our crews for taking a few minutes to let the raccoons escape!"

Firefighters returned to the warehouse to extinguish more hot spots Monday, WSBT reported. The building is a total loss, the television station reported.

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About the Author

Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk