Cat Hidden in Couch Survives Colorado Fire

Oct. 28, 2011
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Firefighters have rescued two cats from a building badly damaged by fire on Monday, including a cat that survived the fire in a couch. The fire started Monday at 3:30 a.m. at an apartment complex under construction. The flames quickly spread to a nearby building with condominiums and businesses. While everyone escaped the condos safely, four cats were reported missing, according to Poudre Fire Authority spokesman Capt. Patrick Love.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. --

Firefighters have rescued two cats from a building badly damaged by fire on Monday, including a cat that survived the fire in a couch.

The fire started Monday at 3:30 a.m. at an apartment complex under construction. The flames quickly spread to a nearby building with condominiums and businesses.

While everyone escaped the condos safely, four cats were reported missing, according to Poudre Fire Authority spokesman Capt. Patrick Love.

On Tuesday, firefighters inside the building extinguishing hot spots found a cat on the fourth floor, Love said. The cat was taken to Colorado State University's animal hospital. The cat spent the night in the hospital and was released to its owners on Wednesday.

Then on Wednesday, Love and another firefighter went into the building to search for the last three missing cats.

Love said they were searching around and under furniture when a firefighter noticed a couch that had a hole in a screen. The firefighter also noticed a depression under the couch, Love said.

That depression was one of the missing cats.

Love said the cat wasn't meowing or making any noise so it may not have been found if firefighters hadn't looked closely.

"It was luck, mostly," Love said.

Two cats are still missing. Love said live traps have been set in the building to catch the pets.

Fire Damage

Love said there appears to be heavy fire damage to the fourth floor and roof of the condo complex. There is water damage to the first, second and third floors.

Despite that, Love said there is quite a bit of property that can be salvaged.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Love said the investigation may take several weeks or months.

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