Three people were hospitalized after a fire broke out in a Barrie home overnight, and now police are asking for the public’s help finding a missing family pet. Emergency crews were called to the fully engulfed residence on Charlbrook Avenue shortly after midnight on Monday. One woman was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while at least two other people were transported as a precaution. All three have since been released. While police were taking two people to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, a dog rescued from the fire became frightened while riding in the police vehicle. When officers opened the doors at the hospital, the small grey-and-white mixed-breed dog named ‘Polar’ bolted into a wooded area near the parking lot and has not been seen since. Police conducted an immediate search of the area but were unable to find the family pet. The dog was last seen near Georgian Drive. Barrie Fire told CTV News that one cat remains unaccounted for, while police confirmed a second cat is safe and with the family. Officials say the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been called in to assist with the investigation. No further details have been released at this time.
