Four cats are lucky to be alive following a devastating house fire last week in downtown Prince Rupert, British Columbia that burned three homes on Third Avenue. The cats escaped through the flap door of their home and returned to the burn site two days later.
Boris, Ben, Boomboom, and Bella lived in the last of the three houses that were set ablaze. Thanks to the help of Kim St. Pierre, a self-described cat lady who has worked in rescue for more than 30 years, traps were set to catch the cats.
The cats returned to the fire site on Thursday. One of their owners put out food so the cats would stick around. The cats were placed in the humane traps by St. Pierre and one of the owners and were taken to where their family is temporarily residing.
The fire was reported just after 6 p.m. Wednesday and it took 13 firefighters to get the blaze under control. They were assisted by RCMP, Public Works, BC Ambulance, PNG, and BC Hydro.
Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Beckwith stated in an interview with The Northern View
“At this point we have no clue what caused the fire and won’t know that until we begin the investigation.”
An investigation will begin once the structures are deemed safe enough to go into. Click here to read more about the fire.
Boris, Ben, Boomboom, and Bella were fortunate to have a cat door to escape through. Many cats are killed when a fire breaks out in the home. They hide. They’re afraid. And many die of smoke inhalation before they flames ever reach them.
It’s fortunate that Kim had her traps and was prepared to help trap the cats. To anyone who doesn’t have pet carriers, at least have a few humane traps. They’re one of the best investments a cat owner can make, especially if a cat gets out and goes missing.
There are plenty of YouTube videos for those who need instruction in using a live trap. Cat owners should prepare for the worst, including a safe way out (if at all possible because this may not be feasible for indoor only cats) for the cats if there’s a fire.
I guess it’s obvious here that these cats had a distinct and life or death advantage to being indoor/outdoor. I never brought it up in debating the issue, which to me is one guided by personal circumstances, training, location, etc rather than overall philosophy. Can’t deny it in this case though. I mean if your house catches fire a lot, well then there you go. Case closed, next case. I’m just being silly, if you don’t get me. Not trying to stir it up. The cats shouldn’t be smoking pot unsupervised in the first place.
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