UFC Hall of Famer Hero Mark Coleman House Fire: Tries To Save Dog

It takes a lot to bring down UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Mark Coleman, but that’s precisely what a house fire attempted to do. Coleman, a retired mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, faced his greatest challenge when flames engulfed his residence.

“My lungs are sore. My eyes are burnt, but I’m very much alive and well. I feel so blessed it’s in my higher power's hands,” Mark Coleman shared in an Instagram video. “He wants me to move forward today, and I am."

The Actions of Hero Mark Coleman

Coleman’s can-do attitude was put to the test the night a fire nearly took the lives of both himself and his family members. Coleman, his mother, father, and his dog, Hammer (also Coleman’s nickname), were sound asleep when Hammer alerted his dad to the blaze.

The UFC star managed to carry both his mother and father from the blaze before going back to save his beloved dog. Sadly, it was too late, and Hammer suffered life-threatening smoke inhalation and more. Coleman was life-flighted to a hospital, where he remained in critical condition for a time.

The Aftermath of Tragedy

Several weeks after the fire that destroyed his parents’ home and took the life of his dog, Coleman went back to the scene. He admittedly became more emotional than he thought.

“Hammer, my dog who woke me, didn’t make it, but he’s a hero,” Coleman shared to his Instagram followers. “He lived a great 11 months—my best friend. I miss him a lot. You all Wanted to know what I was training for; I was just training for life now I will continue to train for whatever is next.”

He began inhalation therapy to help repair the damage to his lungs from the smoke. A huge outpouring of love and support from his fans helped Mark Coleman get through the ordeal and recovery.

Heroic Actions

These days, Coleman is celebrating sobriety and sharing life with King Martello, a Rottweiler. He admits there has been an empty space in his heart since losing Hammer, but King is helping.

He invites his fans to choose happiness and thanks everyone who helped him through the life-threatening, life-altering journey.

Fire Safety Tips for Pet Parents

Fires like the one Mark Coleman experienced can happen unexpectedly, and every second to escape counts. It’s important to have a solid plan in place if a fire occurs. Here are some fire safety tips to protect your pets:

Create a Pet Emergency Plan

Identify any escape routes and designate a safe meeting spot that all family members know about. Keep leashes and collars by your door for easy access in an emergency.

Use Pet-Resistant Safety Measures

Ensure pets cannot access candles, cords, or stovetops. Flameless candles are a great option instead.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Make sure you cover electrical outlets, keep wires safely out of pets' reach, and ensure electric appliances are out of the way.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Being ready with a pet emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Include things like food, water, medications, leashes, and any medical records.

Alert First Responders

Pet alert decals can be purchased online or sometimes at a local fire department. This makes it easier for firefighters to access your pets.

Practice Escaping

Get your family together for escape drills to ensure everyone knows how things go in an emergency.

Install Smoke Alarms and Check Batteries

After installing smoke alarms, check the batteries at least monthly. Working smoke alarms can save lives.

After the Fire

Check on all family members, including pets, who may have been exposed to smoke. Monitor them closely and seek veterinary care if needed. *** Written by: Carol Bryant

Carol Bryant is the founder FidoseofReality.com and SmartDogCopy.com. A pet product expert, Carol is the Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) and winner of Best Dog Blog. A dog lover of the highest order is how Gayle King introduced Carol when she appeared with her Cocker Spaniel on Oprah Radio’s Gayle King Show to dish dogs. She helps pet, animal, and lifestyle brands achieve copywriting and content marketing success using well-trained words that work and is well-known in the pet industry.