Canine patient dies in fire at UC-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

The University of California-Davis campus fire marshal is still investigating the cause of a fire that claimed the life of a canine patient at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Thursday morning. The dog was receiving treatment in an enclosure within the intensive care unit.

“We are heartsick over the loss of this dog and extend our deepest sympathies to the client family,” says Jane Sykes, DVM, director of the hospital’s small animal clinic, in a university release. “Hospital personnel are assisting the campus fire marshal in investigating the cause of this tragic fire.”

The fire department responded to the call for assistance at approximately 7 a.m. to find that hospital personnel had already put out the fire using extinguishers. Those on duty in the ICU told responding firefighters that they heard a pop near the enclosure and immediately removed the dog. The animal was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three staff members were treated for minor injuries.