As many as six of every 10 house fires happen in homes with pets, according to Captain Steve Johnson of the Chesapeake Fire Department.    “Due to their respiratory systems and rapid breathing rate, pets take smoke into their lungs faster than people do, and succumb more quickly to smoke inhalation than humans, Captain Johnson said. “Rescue efforts could be more successful with the right equipment”.  

 No longer will firefighters have to use modified human oxygen masks or cut up plastic baggies hooked up to air tanks in trying to revive animal victims. 

On June 13^th, CHS President, Diana Krell, dedicated 45 oxygen masks to the City of Chesapeake Fire Dept. in a ceremony at Fire Station #2.  Each station will have 3 masks--small, medium and large--to accommodate the different sized pets.

"Orion" the wonder kitty

On Oct. 17, 2007  the Chesapeake Fire Dept. responded to a house fire on Sunset Drive.The fire was quickly extinguished and no-one was hurt. However, the homeowner's cat was missing.

After 90 minutes, "Orion" jumped onto the back of a couch in front of a picture window. He coughed a few times and was quickly taken out of the home and administered oxygen via a pet rescue mask the was supplied by Chesapeake Humane Society.  We helped save Orion and hopefully we will be able to help others in need.

Chesapeake Engine 1

On July 9, 2007 The creative souls on Engine 1 had an opportunity to demonstrate the pet rescue masks at a recent public event at one of our community centers.  The Captain went on to describe how the masks worked as the kids (and most adults) cheered when they found out we had pet rescue capability. His statement was that the masks were a big hit.