A Sharon firefighter suffered a dog bite Friday while helping to put out a small brush fire.

Police were dispatched at 10:17 p.m. to 427 Andrew St. after firefighter Wade Henry was bitten by the resident's dog, reports said. Henry was treated for a puncture wound at the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System.

Homeowner Michael J. Messina, 44, was burning a fallen tree and some brush when firefighters were called to put out the small fire, reports said.

The 12-year-old shepherd-collie mix bit Henry on his right leg.

Messina, who was "cooperative, sympathetic and apologetic" admitted his dog was not licensed and had not had rabies shots for several years, reports said. He was not cited, nor was he fined for the fire.

Police advised him to take the dog to Shenango Valley Animal Shelter for quarantine, which he did. The dog appeared calm while police spoke to Messina, the report said.

The dog has to remain in quarantine for 10 days and Messina must pay for board as well as fines for not having updated rabies shots and a license, a shelter worker said. Owners have the option of doing quarantines at home, depending on the severity of the bite, and having the pet checked by a veterinarian, she added.

The dog, which apparently was chained to a box, probably got scared and nipped Henry after he got too close, the shelter worker said.