Firefighters battle early morning fire, save cat
Press release from High Springs Fire Department
HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – At 5:26 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, firefighters from High Springs, Alachua County, LaCrosse, and Newberry were dispatched to 26702 NW 160th Place for a reported building fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames coming from a 2,300-square-foot mobile home, prompting the addition of an extra engine company and tanker.
Entering through the front door, they began to extinguish the fire and search for a missing cat. Heavy smoke and low visibility made it very difficult to reach the area with the most intense fire. “We started a very aggressive attack inside the room and above,” said Captain Andy Burkhalter. “We even had fire below us; a partial floor collapse occurred. We deployed a second hose line to the back of the structure to access crawl spaces and overhead areas.”
By 7:02 a.m., the fire was extinguished, and firefighters began a task known as “overhaul” to search for hidden fires throughout the home. During this time, they continued to look for the missing cat. “I have three cats,” said Firefighter/Paramedic Rebecca Creech-Redding. “Where would my cats hide?” She found the scared, unharmed cat in a pile of boxes. The cat was removed, treated for smoke inhalation, and reunited with her owner.
No other injuries were reported. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical issue originating beneath the home.
God bless you folks for what you do.
Thank you for looking for that cat, too. Cats’ instincts are to hide when they’re scared.
How much tax money of mine was wasted to “save” a cat from a fire?
The same amount of money you’re likely paying to your internet provider that’s enabling you to be a mouth-breathing weirdo on news websites.
Thank you, ACTY. Fire Department for your hard work & saving the cat !💯
Firefighters are AWESOME.
💚💚💚
And, to DOGE commenter: Heartless maggot Moron STFU !
As much as was needed. Read the article again and pay attention. They were going through the house again-
Awww come on, that cat may just be a family member, serving a deep emotional purpose to her family.
So glad the people and cat are ok, so sorry for lost of the home. Fire is terrifying.
Firefighters are just the best. As I have said before and will no doubt say again, these guys risk their lives for others every day. They deserve our respect and gratitude.