Calif. Firefighter Mauled by Pit Bull Rescued from House Fire

San Francisco Chronicle

July 15—A veteran battalion fire chief who had helped put out a one-alarm fire on Saturday suffered extensive facial injuries after being attacked by one of the resident's pit bulls, authorities said.

Chief John Whiting, a 20-year veteran, had "extremely severe facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery," according to Alameda County Fire Department spokeswoman Aisha Knowles.

The attack happened after firefighters had knocked down the fire in a two-story home at 16011 Maubert Avenue near San Leandro. Whiting was questioning a 15-year-old girl who had been rescued after hanging out a second-story window. The girl was holding the dog on a leash but the animal was able to leap and attack, Knowles said.

"The dog jumped up and bit him in the face," Knowles said. "Thankfully the paramedics and an ambulance were standing by."

Whiting underwent surgery at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley and was transferred to Stanford Hospital, where more surgery was scheduled. He was listed in stable condition.

Knowles said the dog that attacked Whiting was one of 20 pit bulls that were inside the home. The dogs were taken to the Alameda County animal shelter.

Also inside the house at the time of the fire was the girl's 17-year-old brother.