Family Cat Rescued From Murrieta House Fire

A family cat was saved from fire Wednesday night in Murrieta when firefighters put a pet oxygen mask to good use, according to a news release.

The cat was discovered unconscious as crews with the Murrieta Fire Department responded just before 11 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a house fire in the 41000 block of Magnolia Street, said Murrieta fire Spokesman Matt Corelli, an engineer/paramedic.

"When they arrived, a room on the second story was on fire with smoke visible from the window," Corelli said.

After containing the blaze to the bedroom where it originated, firefighters were searching for the extension of the fire when they encountered the unconscious kitty.

"The cat was not moving and had labored breathing," Corelli said.

So crews quickly provided the cat with oxygen using a special mask.

The masks are carried on Murrieta engines thanks to a 2012 donation from California Veterinary Specialists.

"The local veterinarians along with Pets America donated the mask and training information to the Murrieta Fire Department about a year ago for emergency calls just like this one," Corelli said.

"The Murrieta Fire Department along with local partners believe that preserving life, including that of pets is part of the valuable service delivered every day."

The condition of the feline victim in Wednesday night's fire improved after treatment and it was reunited with its owner.

"(It was) an interesting call with a happy outcome," Corelli said.