Dog brought back to life after fire

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A fire broke out in Meriden late Saturday morning, fire department officials said.

Officials say the fire occurred shortly before 11 a.m. in a three building unit at 67 Main Street.

There were six adults, two dogs and one cat inside. Firefighters helped one man escape the blaze.

The department successfully resuscitated a dog that was caught in the fire. The dog is recovering at the Meriden Animal Hospital. 

"We immediately use the animal resuscitation mask to administer oxygen to the dog," explained Cliff Monges, a Meriden Firefighter, "and after about five minutes I felt his tail wagging and his eyes opened and he jumped right up in my lap. It was the best feeling."

Moderate damage was reported to the basement and the building will be uninhabitable for a time.

The Red Cross is assisting efforts and the cause of the fire is being investigated.