In a heartening display of community spirit, the Port Alberni Fire Department (PAFD), alongside local animal welfare organizations, orchestrated a daring rescue mission to save a feline stuck precariously between two buildings.
The gripping saga unfolded in the 3000-block of 3rd Avenue, where the PAFD received a distress call about a cat suspended between the roof and the ground.
Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a challenging situation as the feline remained wedged despite initial attempts to free it, even after employing dish soap to lubricate its position.
Undeterred by the obstacles, the firefighters creatively utilized a fire hose, attempting to lift the cat.
However, when this approach proved unsuccessful, the team adapted their strategy—employing a pneumatic lifting bag, they delicately compressed one of the walls, ultimately securing the cat’s release.
Describing the episode as a “happy story,” the PAFD recounted the successful hoisting of the cat to safety using an improvised hose sling.
Yet, the heartwarming narrative didn’t end there.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort that made this rescue possible, the fire department expressed gratitude to the BC SPCA Alberni-Clayoquot branch for their invaluable guidance and support.
Additionally, the Bute Street Veterinary Clinic and the Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital played pivotal roles in ensuring the cat’s well-being post-rescue.
“So grateful to the PAFD for the lengths they went to to save this cat and get it into our care,” exclaimed the SPCA in a heartfelt Facebook post.
