BC

An RCMP Constable in Colwood, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is being called a hero today after rushing into a burning home to save a family dog.

Around 2:00 a.m., Friday July 20, a call came in to 9-1-1 from a man who only said "fire" before the call was disconnected.

RCMP dispatchers were able to trace the caller's location and the Colwood Fire Department, West Shore RCMP and BC Ambulance Service Paramedics were sent to the scene.

Cst. Scott Rothermel was the first emergency worker to arrive at the scene, where he found a truck and the carport it was parked under, fully engulfed in flames.

Neighbours told the officer there were dogs trapped inside.

Cst. Rothermel smashed out the front window furthest from the flames and entered the burning house. He located a pitbull, and helped rescue it from the residence.

He then re-entered the home to ensure nobody was trapped inside. 

He was finally forced to exit the house once the smoke became too thick, and he experienced difficulty breathing. He suffered several cuts from the broken glass and minor smoke inhalation and had to be treated at the scene by BC Ambulance Paramedics.

The fire also spread to a neighbour's unattached garage and nearby tree. Fire crews were able to quickly put out the flames, saving the residence.

The initial assessment has led fire officials to deem it suspicious and are continue to investigate the cause.