Owners Thankful for Fireman Who Found Dog in House Fire

Barry and Lynn Weinberg said they are grateful to the Amagansett Fire Department for its quick response that helped to save their dog, named Cooper, from a fire that broke out and devastated their Old Stone Highway home on Sunday.

Cooper, the only inhabitant in the house went ablaze, was found cowering in a corner of the kitchen, just as the first floor started to fill with smoke from the flames on the second floor that were already shooting through the roof when the first firefighter arrived. First Assistant Fire Chief Allen Bennett Jr. said Cooper was not hurt, but scared, and waited with other fire personnel while firefighters attacked the flames.

"I can't speak highly enough of the fire department," Lynn said as she removed box after box of damaged items from the house on Monday morning. "We're terribly sad and only just beginning to realize the things we weren't able to save, but they're just material things."

She said they are relieved that Cooper, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever, made it out alive. "It was the first thought that went through my mind. Cooper is fine. His fur wasn't even singed," she said.

The Weinbergs were not home when the fire broke out, they said. Barry and his son had left the beach in order to go to Stuart's Seafood Market in search of lobsters and clams when someone at Louse Point beach called 911 at 4:09 p.m., Lynn said. The family remained unaware of the fire until they attempted to return home and were blocked off by a police and fire department barricade.

Lynn was at the house on Monday when the fire briefly rekindled, but the fire department, again, quickly responded to pour water on the smoldering objects.

She said she was upset to have lost items she has saved from her children's childhood for her grandchildren. Among the treasured objects were a 30-year-old Lego set, black and white family photos, and a small American flag with hearts instead of stars that Lynn had made for Barry before they were married.

"We're also thankful to be alive," Barry Weinberg said, "The dog's okay and no firemen were hurt."

Two firefighters were treated for dehydration at Southampton Hospital, but were released Sunday night.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.