(GIF: Tumblr)
Last Friday, a woman in a mobile home in Olympia, Washington, left her washer-dryer running as she left her home. Upon returning, she found her home on fire and the local Lacey Fire Department battling the blaze.
LFD3 currently working a mobile home fire in the 6800 block of Martin Way. pic.twitter.com/JhZZ1bZLD5
— Lacey Fire (@LaceyFireDist3) September 26, 2014
With her children safely at school, the fire crew's primary concern was to help rescue the family's five hamsters - parents Madonna and Oreo, and their three babies -all trapped in their cage next to a marriage certificate drawn in crayon.
Fire now out. Family of hamsters rescued and receiving care from our fire fighters. pic.twitter.com/kW0UFyBs8p
— Lacey Fire (@LaceyFireDist3) September 26, 2014
Madonna and Oreo were responsive, but their three babies were unconscious. Fortunately, the local fire fighters carry a guide on how to treat family pets in cases of emergency.
Yes. Our crews are trained and specially equipped to care for animals that have been rescued from a house fire. pic.twitter.com/Vj2lxP2Ybt
— Lacey Fire (@LaceyFireDist3) September 26, 2014
The crew fashioned tiny oxygen masks for the baby hamsters, and set about the business of saving lives.
"Oreo", "Madonna" and the baby hamsters being treated with oxygen. LFD3 crews have animal rescue and aid equipment. pic.twitter.com/CFruyYH5PS
— Lacey Fire (@LaceyFireDist3) September 26, 2014
Despite their quick reaction, regrettably one of the baby hamsters did not make it. But the other two have made a full recovery.
The Lacey Fire Department later tweeted that the family's unattended dryer was ruled as the cause of the fire, and tweeted this helpful fire safety message:
Keep it clean! Remember to always clean that lint screen after every load. Also, turn the dryer off if you leave the house or go to sleep.
— Lacey Fire (@LaceyFireDist3) September 20, 2014
Lacey Fire Department, we salute you.
(GIF: Imgur)
H/T: TheMarySue
