Pets and fires: Humboldt Bay Fire rescues cats and dogs from house in flames

Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- When Heather Breaux heard her mother’s home was on fire, she rushed to the house on Clark Street. There, she found the street shrouded in smoke. The house she grew up in a flurry of activity, as firefighters brought her mother’s animals to safety.

Humboldt Bay firefighters not only rescued several dogs and cats from the house (finding them hiding under beds and searching for safety), they treated them for smoke inhalation. Firefighters on scene helped administer oxygen to several of the pets. The department has several animal oxygen masks, perfectly suited for snouts. “They breathe just like we do,” Humboldt Bay Fire Chief Sean Robertson says.

He also explains, firefighters understand the value of animals. “We know belongings can be precious to, but we know animals are members of the family.”

So how can you protect your four legged family? Especially if you’re not home in the event of a house fire. Robertson says, in addition to everyday fire prevention (checking to be sure electronics are unplugged, making sure fireplaces and open flames are extinguished) you can also make sure your animals are easy to access.

Experts at the Sequoia Humane Society recommend buying a decal for the window of your home, alerting fire crews to the pets inside. Also, installing dog/cat doors to offer escape routes for your pets, can be a great idea.

Breaux’s daughter says many of the animals are elderly. Breaux explains her mother has rescued many of them. Now, face to face with homelessness she needs foster families for some of her pets.

If you are interested in fostering, contact Heather at 707-496-3708. The family has also set up a GOFundMe here.