Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) successfully rescued a cat named Oreo after it spent two days trapped in a chimney in Bexley, south-east London. The ordeal began when Oreo, startled by the noise of a vacuum cleaner, ascended the chimney and became lodged.
Ryan Senior-Ellison of LFB recounted that Oreo’s owner grew increasingly concerned as the feline refused to descend. Prompted by the distressing situation, crews from Bexley and Greenwich fire stations swiftly responded to the call for assistance on the morning of March 29th.
Utilizing a combination of resources including a fire engine, a fire rescue unit, and a 32-meter (105-foot) turntable ladder, the firefighters meticulously executed the rescue operation. Sub officer Senior-Ellison expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the teams, stating, “In the end, thanks to the crews’ hard work and fantastic efforts, Oreo was reunited with his owner.”
An LFB spokesperson emphasized the importance of contacting animal rescue organizations such as the RSPCA initially, while highlighting the readiness of firefighters to intervene when specialized equipment is necessary. The spokesperson underscored the brigade’s commitment to aiding distressed or injured animals, cautioning against individuals putting themselves at risk during rescue attempts.
The successful retrieval of Oreo serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the London Fire Brigade in safeguarding both human and animal lives.
