Watch Belmont Firefighters Save Dog, Cat With Tiny Pet Oxygen Mask

BELMONT, CA- Peninsula firefighters not only helped extinguish a local blaze Friday afternoon, but they also helped save the lives of the resident pets, officials say.

According to Belmont Police Captain Patrick Halleran, the fire broke out after an apparent explosion around 2:45 p.m. in the 1600 block of Notre Dame Avenue. Units from Belmont, San Mateo, Foster City and Redwood City fire departments were dispatched.

“Upon arrival, first responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the garage,” Halleran said. “The situation was made more dangerous by a live electrical line that fell during the fire and continued to arc until PG&E could respond to shut off the power.”

Within about 30 minutes, fire crews managed to control the fire, according to Halleran. The flames were contained to the home’s garage, but there was some smoke and water damage elsewhere in the house.

Firefighters were told by neighbors that the homeowners were away at work— but their pets were likely home.

“A 10-year-old black lab and a 15-year-old calico cat were rescued from the home by firefighters,” Halleran said. “The dog was scared but unhurt and the cat suffered smoke inhalation. The cat was given oxygen by firefighters and transported to an emergency veterinary hospital by San Mateo County Animal Rescue & Control.”

In the video above, you can see one firefighter take off his coat to wrap the feline up, as another applies the mask to its tiny face. (Jump to the 1:20 mark for the ‘awww’ moment.)

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Total damages were estimated at $275,000.