Firefighters constantly tell people that they shouldn’t return to a burning building to rescue valuables or animals. Here’s why:

In White City, Oregon, a man was able to successfully pull his wife and niece to safety when their home erupted in flames. Yet James “Jimmy” Nickerson the 3rd.  then went back into the house to try to rescue the 3 dogs, but didn’t make it back out alive. He died in the fire, along with two of the 3 dogs.

I can understand the urge to try and rescue a loved one. If a child of mine is trapped inside a burning building, neither heaven nor earth is going to stop me from trying to bring them out alive. But pets and possessions are a different story. Once you get your family out, stay out.

• Make sure your family is prepared in the event of a fire with free fire safety resources and educational books to teach fire safety to children.