Pets Rescued from Burning Pet Store

Published: August 7, 2006 | 4562nd good news item since 2003

A firefighter held an oxygen mask over the tiny face of a kitten as residents and rescuers fought to save animals trapped in a burning pet store, witnesses and officials said Monday.

It was unclear how many of the animals were rescued from the blaze, while 11 firefighters suffered minor injuries, said Fire Department spokesman Brian Mullen.

The fire, in the Woodhaven section of Queens, was placed under control shortly before 1 a.m. Monday, an hour after it began.

“The kittens had smoke inhalation, they have burns on their pads,” said Lenore Telesca, who helped rescue the cats.

“We gave them some fluid therapy and some antibiotics. … Right now they’re in stable condition.”

No civilians were injured in the blaze. “It’s devastating,” said Susan Gentile, owner of Bob’s Tropical Pet Center.

“But we’ll get it together again.”

Published in Animals and Rescues
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