Ga. Emergency Workers Save Pets From Fire

Sept. 15--VALDOSTA -- Rescuers saved several animals Wednesday morning from a Lowndes County residential fire.

Just before 10 a.m., Lowndes County Fire Rescue firefighters responded to 3005 Stock Pen Road to find the residence on fire and more than 20 cats and one dog trapped inside.

Lowndes County Fire Chief Richard Guyton said when the first of the two Lowndes County engine companies arrived on the scene, the fire was extending through the back roof area of the mobile home -- over the kitchen area -- allowing entry through the front door. After approximately 10 minutes, the fire was contained with no injury to any persons, Guyton said.

The homeowners were not present at the time but, after being notified about the fire, they arrived to find fire trucks, animal-control units and emergency medical services planted across their front lawn.

Firefighters brought several cats out of the residence. The first seven were quickly taken to the veterinarian. The remaining cats found alive were turned over to animal-control personnel.

The only dog residing in the home walked out the front door and into the anxiously awaiting arms of one of the owners.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The fire chief noted it did not appear that the home was a total loss; however, there was significant fire damage to the kitchen area and smoke and water damage to other parts of the residence.

Upon the initial arrival of The Times, both an American and a Florida Seminole flag were seen hanging from the front of the home, waving in the breeze, untouched by flames. No real damage to the facing of the structure was noticeable. Guyton said the team was concerned about the many animals. Firefighters discovered animals seeking shelter throughout the residence. Rescue workers wanted to remove as many of the animals as possible.

One small, light brown kitten was seen sitting in the backyard watching the firefighters as they conversed amongst themselves. Several other cats received medical attention by emergency-medical technician Brittany Rigdon and paramedic Ronda Vanek, both with South Georgia Medical Center. The two said they were there to assist in anyway they could. They provided oxygen to several of the cats that, according to Rigdon, initially looked as though they would not survive.

"As soon as we administered oxygen to them, they just popped up," the young EMT smiled. "It really feels good to help someone out ... to be able to rescue animals especially when the owners care so much about them and then to see the look on people's faces ... I'm just happy we could help the cats and the owners."

Rigdon added she and her partner were only a part of the rescue. She gave credit to the firefighters who actually went into the residence and made it their goal to save as many of the animals as possible. Vanek echoed the happy 23-year-old EMT, and added they were not seeking any attention for the lives they saved. Both women have been with South Georgia Medical for five years and said it was their first time assisting with saving the lives of animals.

As of Wednesday evening, Lowndes County Public Information Officer Paige Dukes said she received word that nine of the cats and the one dog were reportedly still alive and at a veterinarian's office and three other cats were in a shelter. Twelve other cats later died from smoke inhalation. Dukes said all of the animals had been spayed and/or neutered and the owners appeared to have taken good care of the animals. Dukes said she believed the owners were trying to find suitable homes for some of the cats before the fire occurred.