Goosey alerts Texas family to barn fire

A Texas family says a young goose named Goosey helped save their barn after a fire broke out overnight on their Fort Bend County property. The 4-month-old bird sounded the alarm with unusual honks that woke owner Bert Gerber while he was asleep on the couch, giving the family time to respond before the blaze spread further.

According to KHOU 11, Goosey had been with the Gerber family since Mother’s Day and normally kept to himself. Last Tuesday, though, the bird began honking in a way the family had never heard before. Bert Gerber said he came outside and saw flames pouring from the backyard barn. He then grabbed a water hose and rushed toward the fire. Surveillance footage showed Goosey standing in front of the barn as it burned, a striking image that captured the moment the goose appeared to be trying to get attention.

Gerber said the warning may have made the difference between a small fire and a much larger loss. He said that if he had not been awakened, the blaze could have become out of control within a few more minutes. By the time the fire was put out, all of the animals inside the barn had been accounted for and were safe. The family credited the quick alert and fast response with preventing more serious damage.