Rotherham firefighters thanked for purrrfect rescue

John Scruby visited Rotherham fire station to thank the station manager and crew for rescuing Bella from a blaze at his home in August.

The fire was nearly out when John arrived to find fire crews at his Killamarsh home and he became concerned for Bella when he realised that she was still inside.

Station Manager Ellie Hunneyball, who attended as part of an over the border assiatance team, donned her breathing apparatus and entered the property, emerging ten minutes later with Bella, alive, but very distressed.

Bella was taken to the vets and kept in overnight in an oxygen tent, but has since made a full recovery. 

John, his wife, and Bella visited the crew at Rotherham station to thank them in person for saving their home and Bella (pictured). 

John said: “I later found out that the firefighter was a station manager in Rotherham and a cat owner herself.

“I would like to thank her and the crew from the bottom of my heart for saving Bella.” 

Station Manager Ellie said: “I am so pleased that Bella made a full recovery after spending the night at the vets. 

“Animals have a strong survival instinct and will try to get to a place of safety, which Bella did.

“The fire was in the attic and the first floor was smoke-logged but she got as far away from the fire as she could by hiding under the sofa on the ground floor, which was clear of any smoke."

“We would urge pet owners not to return to their properties during a fire to retrieve their pets, as they will either make their own way out once they see an exit or professional fire crews will carry out rescues if necessary.”