Rochester Firefighters Rescue Cats From Burning Home

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A specially designed pet rescue oxygen mask donated to the Rochester Fire Department was put to use this morning by firefighters responding to a residential fire in a neighborhood just west of Soldiers Field Park.

Fire Department Captain Brett Knapp says the fire in a home at 847 7th Avenue Southwest was reported just before 5:30 a.m. The first firefighters at the scene were met outside by the homeowner who indicated there was a fire in a second-floor bathroom. The fire crews found heavy smoke and moderate heat, but few flames. The main fire was then located inside the walls on both the first and second floors of the house. Using hand tools, the firefighters were able to gain access to the fire and extinguish the flames.

Captain Knapp says the firefighters were also able to locate and save several of the homeowner's pets. One of the cats, apparently suffering from smoke inhalation, was given oxygen using the donated pet rescue mask.

An estimate of the damage caused by the fire is not yet available and the cause is under investigation.