Fairfax Fire and Rescue Receives PETA Award for Saving Dogs From Burning House

First Responders Use Special Oxygen Mask to Revive Puppy

For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

At about 7:30 p.m. on November 29, firefighters from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a blaze on Forest Park Road in the Great Falls area after a neighbor heard smoke alarms sounding and dialed 911. Although the occupants of the house weren’t home, rescuers discovered two dogs trapped inside. One of the dogs, Cola, was revived using an oxygen mask specially designed for dogs and cats. Both dogs appeared to be doing fine following their rescue.

For the crew’s efforts in saving the two dogs, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will receive PETA’s Compassionate Fire Department Award.

“The brave members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department are truly heroes because they don’t consider their job done until all residents—both human and nonhuman—have made it to safety,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA hopes the compassion and know-how shown by these first responders will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA encourages all animal guardians to put a sign on doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of dogs and cats. Families can order stickers from the PETA Catalog or make their own at home.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will receive a framed certificate, a letter of appreciation, and a box of delicious vegan chocolates from PETA.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.