Port Alberni Fire went above and beyond to rescue a cat over the weekend.
After the prowling feline became trapped between two buildings in the city’s Uptown District on Saturday, members of the fire department literally moved a wall to save the wedged-in kitty.
The department was alerted by neighbours on Third Avenue, between Argyle and Angus streets, who heard the cat’s cries of distress.
Alberni Fire arrived to find the cat suspended between the roof and the ground, too far in to reach by hand.
Firefighters wrapped a fire hose under the cat and tried to lift it, but even after it was lubricated from above with dish soap the tabby wouldn’t budge.
It was a happy story, though, as firefighters were able to lower a pneumatic lifting bag beside the cat and compress one of the walls just enough to free the cat, who was then hoisted to safety using the improvised hose “sling.”
The BCSPCA Alberni-Clayoquot gave advice and transported the cat to get washed up and checked by a vet.
The Bute Street Veterinary Clinic and Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital also provided advice to the fire department in the rescue operation.
