We’ve all been treated to numerous stories of brave firemen and women who risk their lives for helpless animals. These poor creatures find themselves in the most dire of circumstances. In this case, high up in the treetops. Often it’s a family pet that gets out of the home, only to find themselves in very unfamiliar territory! And then there are the millions of stray animals that are out on the streets trying to simply survive. Food is scarce and natural enemies may be hiding around every corner. But when something happens to these souls, who will help them?
Because most recently, it was a stray kitten stuck in a treetop, 60 feet up!
It was in Fresno’s Tower District that a 3-month-old kitten had been discovered hiding high amongst the trees. This is a neighborhood who’s motto on their Visit California guide is “Stroll through a hip neighborhood brimming with old-style charm and new surprises”. They got that right!
So when the neighbors heard a kitten meowing, they tracked down the pitiful cries. Seeing just how far up the adventurous feline had managed to climb into the treetop, they knew they needed help.
And it was the brave Fresno firefighters that were able to answer the call.
Last Friday, Ladder 9 was called to a neighborhood in Tower District for the report of an animal in distress. On arrival, the crew could hear a small kitten crying for help from high up in a tree. The firefighters deployed about 60 feet of the 105 foot aerial ladder to reach and rescue the scared little guy.
Now what we DON’T see often, is the treetop rescue from the hero’s perspective!
But this time, the Fresno Fire Department posted the helmet camera footage from the crew member.
As he climbs higher and higher into the branches of the tree, you can hear the wind howling past him. The ladder is blown from side-to-side as the balanced like a sailor on the high seas. While he is ascending, the kitten can be heard crying with fear from the tree. But he must be careful, securing his harness in place before he can save anyone.
And before you know it, the kitten began to slip from the treetop branches!
Luckily the fireman reached the kitten and scruffed it safely before it plummeted down to Earth. You can then see the rescuer open a bag and place the terrified kitten quickly inside as he descended.
“The cat is in the bag”, you can hear him proudly state.
Once they were securely back on the ground, they made sure the tiny soul was okay from the “adventure”.
Happy to be of service to their community in any way, they shared the video on their Facebook page. (Watch full video below)
Helmet cam footage from the firefighter shows the view from the aerial ladder during the operation. This was in 109 degree heat during a shift that saw multiple emergencies including two large 3-Alarm fires. The crew was happy to safely return the kitten to solid ground! Strong work Ladder 9.