Brave neighbours have spoken about the moment they rushed into a burning house in a desperate attempt to save two pets.
Alexander Bain and Brian Cowie risked their own safety after hearing “bloodcurdling” animal screams from the property in New Pitsligo’s Clinton Crescent.
Fire crews were called at around 12.20am yesterday and arrived to find the building “well alight”.
Three crews from Fraserburgh and Maud brought the incident under control and left the scene at around 2am.
No one was in the house at the time.
Yesterday Mr Bain and Mr Cowie spoke of the moment they heard barks and screams from a dog and cat trapped inside.
Mr Bain was burned during the rescue bid and required treatment first at Fraserburgh Hospital and then Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
He said he and Mr Cowie were looking outside when they thought they could see “fog coming in”. Mr Cowie then spotted the flames.
“Brian went in first and you couldn’t see anything,” Mr Bain said. “I was on my knees and stood up and got a burn to my head.
“I’m feeling all right now.”
Mr Cowie said: “When I went in I was met with flames and smoke. I couldn’t see anything and was on my knees.”
He said that although the dog rushed out the house immediately, he could hear a “blood-curdling” scream from the cat.
His repeated attempts to save the pet were in vain though.
Fire investigators were on the scene yesterday to establish the cause of the blaze.
Last night local councillor Jim Ingram said he was glad there were no casualties.
“It’s good all residents are accounted for and safe including the neighbours,” Mr Ingram said. “It’s such a pity when somebody’s pet gets killed.
“I’m sure the fire investigators will be looking into it.”
Mr Ingram also praised the retained firefighters from Maud who were called to help battle the flames.
“The station at Maud provides an excellent service. They’re an impressive squad.
“It’s a small village with a fire service that supports many larger places.”
