This is a great thread and although I agree with saving the pets, I would feel HORRIBLE, I mean devastated if a firefighter lost his/her life while going back in to save my cats.

Fires are so unpredictable. Anything can happen. A firefighter could fall through the floor; the roof could cave in at anytime. I'm sure they would size up the situation before entering the home to save the pets, but like I said anything can happen.