At 2:43 p.m. on Thursday, the Fort Worth Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 4800 block of Arbor Street, located in the southeast part of the city. Upon arrival, fire crews encountered a small, one-story wood-frame home with flames and thick smoke pouring from the windows and roof. Firefighters immediately pulled hose lines and began an aggressive interior attack on the fire while simultaneously conducting a primary search to check for any occupants inside.
During their search, firefighters located a mother cat along with her two newborn kittens hidden in a corner of the house. The kittens were unresponsive and struggling to breathe due to smoke inhalation. Firefighters quickly brought the animals outside and administered oxygen using specially designed pet masks. While the mother cat, clearly distressed, ran from the scene, firefighters carefully continued to treat the kittens. After several minutes, the kittens began to breathe on their own, and the mother eventually returned to the area.
As firefighters pressed further into the smoke-filled home, they encountered another animal, a large pregnant dog, lying in the hallway and barely able to breathe. The dog had suffered severe smoke inhalation and was in critical condition. Firefighters worked quickly to provide oxygen, using an entire bottle to stabilize her breathing. After several tense minutes, the dog’s condition improved, and she was breathing normally again.
All of the rescued animals were taken into the care of City of Fort Worth Animal Control for further medical treatment and monitoring.
Meanwhile, due to the extensive fire, smoke, and water damage, three residents of the home were displaced. They are currently receiving emergency shelter and assistance from the American Red Cross Greater North Texas chapter. According to fire officials, the occupants of the home were not present when the fire broke out, and they were unharmed.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the rescue efforts and was treated on the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fort Worth Fire Department. Officials will be working to determine what sparked the blaze in the single-story residence.
Despite the significant damage to the home, the quick actions of the firefighters ensured that all of the family’s animals survived the fire, with medical attention administered on-site.
