Athens Fire saves kitty trio from burning structure
Published 5:07 pm Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Athens fire fighter Colby Deuchle offers some relieved reassurance to one of the three cats the fire department safely rescued from a local structure fire in May of 2025.
Athens fire fighter Eli Boydstun administers O2 therapy to one of three cats rescued from a local structure fire in May 2025.
Athens fire fighter Trey Stinson administers O2 therapy to one of three cats rescued from a local structure fire in May 2025.
Three felines in Athens can hang onto all of their nine lives a little longer, after the C shift at Athens Fire & Rescue spared the kitty trio from a local structure fire earlier this month.
Responding to a fire at a residence on Wentworth Drive, fire fighters encountered two of the animals unresponsive amid heavy smoke and zero-visibility conditions.
Fire fighters were able to revive the pair of cats with high-flow oxygen therapy, while also locating the third animal hiding underneath a bed.
With Engines 1, 2 and 3, as well as Truck 1 and Battalion 1 all responding at the scene, the fire fighters’ presence definitely made the difference between life and death for the cats: City officials said the homeowner had attempted to locate the animals without success before responders arrived.
“We’re thrilled that these adorable fur babies are safe and sound!” said a city representative after all the animals (and humans) had been safely accounted for.
