Hi, all. Cinder here ~

I asked my Firefighter Dad how to comment on this subject - he said it would be impossible to tell everyone reading this how to act in every possible scenario that they might encounter. He suggested we consider *Preventing* the problem from happening in the first place!

Make your and your pet's home or apartment is fire safe:
  • Train the FurKids: no jumping near lamps or chewing on cords
  • Don't leave appliances on when you go away - even for a minute
  • Have SEVERAL smoke detectors - one on every level
  • Invest in a monitored alarm system
  • Ask your local Fire Department to do a safety survey of your home
  • Ask a friend to enter and check the home every 4 or 5 hours
  • Organize a Neighborhood Watch to be observant for fires
  • Look at your candles - don't ever light one (sorry candle-lovers)
  • Inspect & Clean chimneys - Often
  • Inspect major appliances & heating units at least yearly
  • Ask your Fire Department if they use Invalid and/or Pet signs
  • Practice Fire Safety 24/7 and 365
  • Leave the screen off one window in each room (easier to escape)
  • Teach FurKids to sleep in your room (you won't have to search for them)


As for attempting to rescue your FirKid from a fire? You'll have to make that call. Base your decision on what you see and/or know about the severity of the smoke and fire. My Dad is a trained Firefighter - he knows how to search with a buddy with complete turnout gear and an air pack on his back. Would he search OUR house for Smokey, Boots the Kat and Me WITHOUT his gear on and with no buddy?
Yes - willingly and knowing it might injure or kill him - BUT he'd also be using all his Firefighter training and search & rescue skills to make it quick and less dangerous. (Stuff like crawl on his tummy, cover his mouth & nose with a wet cloth, search in a exact and consistant pattern, etc, etc.) Years of experience would give him an edge and maybe he'd pull it off... Would any Fire Chief suggest that a civilian should try it? Never!

Thanks, Dad. Let's hope nobody has to experience either a fire or a missing pet.


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/s/ Cinder & Smokey
the Rescued & Adopted
FurKids of *Phred*