Interstate News: Crews save cat in house fire
Oct 15, 2010
EMERGENCY service officers went above and beyond the call of duty when they saved the life of a family cat caught in a Rockville house fire.
Holly, the two-year-old purebred Persian, had technically “died” after being overcome by smoke when her owner's home caught fire about 9.30pm on Wednesday night.
Firemen found Holly in a smoke-filled bedroom during a search of the badly damaged Hogg Street house, after making sure all the human residents were safely outside.
She was immediately taken outside where firemen and ambulance paramedics performed life-saving resuscitation.
Holly gasped then started to breathe on her own.
The officers believe the lucky moggie has definitely used up all her nine lives.
Senior Queensland Fire and Rescue officer Eddie Lacko, who attended the blaze, said rescuing family pets from fires was not an uncommon occurrence.
“We have many success stories with regards to saving family pets from house fires. It's a very rewarding experience for all involved especially for the families,” Inspector Lacko said.
Home owner Jason Wathen was still in disbelief at how quickly the fire engulfed and destroyed his family home of three years.
“It honestly just went up in seconds. I tried my best to attempt to put it out, but it was just too quick,” Mr Wathen said.
A three-year-old girl was taken to hospital as a precaution, but was released a short time later.
Queensland Fire and Rescue are still investigating the cause of the blaze, which has left the family destitute.
“Luckily we're insured, we have lost absolutely everything. The only thing we have is the clothes that are on our backs,” Mr Wathen said.
“I can't even go to the bank to get money out as I can't prove who I am,” he added.
Mr Wathen's partner, Renee Collins, had nothing but admiration for the Queensland Fire and Ambulance officers that attended the blaze.
“I can't praise the crews that attended enough, you couldn't have asked for a more professional and compassionate bunch of people,” Ms Collins said.
Queensland Fire and Rescue confirmed that the house was fitted with smoke detectors.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4BAc1TiVkI&feature=player_embedded
Source: The Chronicle