Cat saved from 15ft deep drain by firefighters in two-hour rescue
The frightened feline was saved from a deep storm drain on Dandelion Drive in Whittlesey by firefighters on Wednesday, April 7. - Credit: CambsFRS
Owners of a cat which got itself trapped inside a storm drain, sparking a two-hour rescue mission, have thanked firefighters following the ordeal.
Rosie Saunders’ pet cat, Norman, climbed inside a 15-foot-deep drain on Dandelion Drive in Whittlesey before getting himself stuck on Wednesday (April 7).
An on-call fire crew came to Norman’s aid after being called to the storm drain at around 7.40pm, beginning the long operation.
Watch commander Kev Gilbert from Whittlesey Fire Station said: "The crew improvised and used chimney rodding equipment to entice poor Norman to safety.
The frightened feline was saved from a deep storm drain on Dandelion Drive in Whittlesey by firefighters on Wednesday, April 7. - Credit: CambsFRS
“He was returned to a very thankful family after a two-hour ordeal.
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“The crew did a great job making use of the equipment we have in an innovative way to ensure Norman was rescued safely in front of a watching crowd of neighbours."
The crew was back at their station by 9pm.
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Norman’s owner Rosie Saunders said: "Norman had managed to get himself stuck in a storm drain.
“The crew arrived really quickly and were so friendly, calming and professional. They quickly assessed where he was in the pipe and put together a plan to get him out.
“They didn't stress him out when doing so. We really appreciate everything they did for us last night, thank you!"
Group commander Kevin Andrews added: "Our crews are often called to help animals in distress in a variety of different situations.
The frightened feline was saved from a deep storm drain on Dandelion Drive in Whittlesey by firefighters on Wednesday, April 7. - Credit: CambsFRS
“We have specially trained staff that can deal with most types of rescue, so we can try and come to the aid of an animal in need, rather than the owner putting themselves at risk.
“As shown in this incident we also have a range of equipment on our fire engines to carry out rescues.
“The crew showed great innovation and did an excellent job in safely returning Norman to his owner.”
Whittlesey is one of the Service's on-call fire stations, where crews respond to emergencies while either at work or home.
Those living within five minutes travel time of any on-call station are being urged to consider joining and serving the local community as an on-call firefighter.
For more information, visit: www.cambsfire.gov.uk/oncall
