The Sunshine State has its share of house fires but also has some of the most heroic firefighters anywhere. They routinely go out of their way to help cats, kittens, and all sorts of animals in trouble. In the springtime, the number of kittens always goes way up, along with incidences of outside fires. And Florida Fire Rescue teams are there, ready to respond in our time of need.
Tampa-area firefighters made a dramatic rescue when a Dover home became consumed in flames for as-yet unknown reasons. Thankfully, nobody was harmed in the fire because of their heroic response. As the scene unfolded, things became downright adorable!
Florida Firefighters Arrive at Burning Home
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue shared the story when they responded to a house fire in Dover, East of Tampa. Multiple citizens called for help after the brick home caught fire on Thursday, May 30th.
Images via Facebook/Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
By the time they arrived, the fire was engulfing the entire house. While the crew fought the fire with water hoses inside, others searched for any signs of life. That’s when they came across kittens at the home!
Fire Rescue Saved 10 Kittens!
Despite the daunting task of extinguishing the fire, the firefighters miraculously managed to rescue 10 kittens from the house!
Fortunately, no humans were inside at the time, but one person was safely evacuated from the scene. Surely, hearing news that the kittens survived the fire would be encouraging for them after such a traumatic loss. And it was also encouraging for the whole community.
Saving the kittens reminded everyone that “every life matters.”
“Give big thanks to the Fire Department that rescued the kitties and put their own risk every day thank you and always stay safe,” said Dawn C on Facebook.
You Can Help Kittens Like These Too!
A local rescuer commented on the thread, noting that they need help to foster the kittens saved from this fire.
“The pet resource center needs help fostering these kittens!” said Kristy B.
Kristy shared the following information for those in the Hillsborough County area who are interested in fostering these or other kittens and animals. You can see more at the Pet Resource Center’s ‘Foster Squad‘, which is also on Facebook.
Pet Oxygen Masks Save Lives
You can see the crew giving one kitten life-saving oxygen after suffering from smoke inhalation.
Pet oxygen masks like these are essential for rescue crews everywhere. As we previously shared, the Orlando Cat Café often donate such masks, which are critical for animals to overcome often-deadly smoke inhalation. Having the mask on hand can mean life or death for the 500,000 pets affected by house fires each year.
Cutest Mascot Ever for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
This kitten rescue is just one of many for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. In March, Station 5 responded when a homeowner heard meows from their bathroom wall. They didn’t have a cat, so it was a big surprise! Arriving on the scene, the crew created a small hole under the sink, bringing one small orange kitten to safety.
The kitten, later named Wally, came back to the fire station, where everyone helped care for him. As you can see, the crew proudly posed with the ginger boy who was their unofficial mascot that day!
Images via Facebook/Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
The kitten was too young to be on his own and required bottle-feeding, which they quickly learned how to do.
“The family didn’t know where the kitten came from and could not keep it. So, firefighters brought it back to the station and reached out to friends until they found it a temporary home. The crew even fed the kitten formula and ensured it would be seen by a veterinarian for its needed care,” they shared on Facebook.
In one scene, Wally roared like a proud little lion on the front of the firetruck!
You never know what a day might be like for fire rescue teams in Florida. But adorable moments like these are unforgettable highlights. Thank you to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue for all you do for the community!
