Dog sent to animal hospital after Sonoma Valley house fire

A fire damaged part of a Sonoma Valley home Wednesday and sent a dog to a local veterinary hospital.

The fire at the single-family residence on Ernest Drive in Sonoma was reported at 3 p.m., according to emergency dispatchers. It was under control by 3:20 p.m., said Bob Norrbom, Sonoma Valley Fire battalion chief.

No occupants were home at the time of the fire, according to Norrbom. The dog, which he said appeared to be a white Chihuahua, tried to get away from the fire by retreating to a back bedroom, where it was rescued by firefighters. The dog was “semi-conscious” when rescued but its condition improved when firefighters administered oxygen before sending the animal to Arroyo Veterinary Hospital, Norrbom said.

Norrbom estimated the fire, which was mostly confined to the kitchen of the home, caused about $70,000 in damage. The cause remains under investigation.