Wilson and South Wilson Battle Working House Fire in the Village; Cat Rescued
Photo by Stephen M WallaceAs engines pulled in heavy smoke was visible all around the house
Photo by Stephen M WallaceThe five inch supply lines were hooked up to maintain a water supply
Photo by Stephen M WallaceAs an attack team entered the front of the house, thick black smoke poured out
Photo by Stephen M WallaceAs the hose line was used to hit fire under the gutter, a cat appeared in the second-story side window.
Photo by Stephen M WallaceA ground firefighter quickly grabbed a ladder and went up to get the cat, then rushed it to the ambulance
Photo by Stephen M WallaceWilson EMS crews used the new animal O2 mask to bring the cat around.
Photo by Stephen M WallaceThe Cat survived thanks to EMS and loving
Photo by Stephen M WallaceNiagara County Sheriff Deputy experienced in fire fighting provided a SCBA air bottle exchange
WILSON, NY - The call came in around 7:00 P.M. on April 19th for the report of a house fire on Petiti Street in the Village of Wilson. Heavy flames were visible from the rear, and thick smoke was coming out from all around the house.
The first attack team hit the flames at the rear of the building. Another engine hit a hydrant by the main intersection and ran the five-inch into the front of the house. Another attack team entered the front of the house through heavy smoke. The black smoke ran the gutter line, and could be seen puffing out from the siding on the front of the house. Ladders were put up in the rear of the house to try to pull down some siding.
As a firefighter made his way up the ladder, the flames popped out under the gutter, and around the corner, a cat appeared in the second-story window. Ground firefighters grabbed a ladder, put it up to the window, and rescued the cat which was then rushed to the ambulance. An animal oxygen mask was applied to the cat which they covered in a blanket, and after about five minutes, the cat started looking around and appeared to be doing well, thanks to the loving care of Wilson's EMS crews.
As Niagara County Sheriff deputies stood and watched the fire scene, one experienced deputy in firefighting ran over to do an air pack exchange for one of the interior firefighters. The Chief kept an eye on the scene from his first truck in making sure everyone was safe and on the same plan. A ladder was placed up the side of the house, then on the roof, allowing firefighters to cut a hole in the roof and allow the heat and gases to escape.
The flames were finally knocked down and an overhaul was started. The scene is still under investigation by Niagara County Origin and Cause.