A kitten trapped in its burning home was saved during an early morning fire Wednesday thanks to the actions of a neighbor who happened to also be a firefighter.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
CRANBURY — A kitten trapped in its burning home was saved during an early morning fire Wednesday thanks to the actions of a neighbor who happened to also be a firefighter.
The fire occurred around 3:43 a.m. Wednesday at 81 North Main Street which was occupied at the time by one resident and a cat, according to Chief Michael Kervan of the Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company.
Neighbor, and Cranbury Firefighter Jared Lipschutz, happened to still be awake and initially responded to the alarms going off in the home.
”Earlier this morning, I was sitting on my porch saying goodbye to a friend since I left for college today,” said Firefighter Lipschutz via e-mail. “While we were sitting, I heard an alarm sound coming down the street.”
According to Firefighter Lipschutz, he went to investigate and found smoke coming from 81 North Main Street.
”I opened to door calling out to the resident inside,” Firefighter Lipschutz said. “He came to the door and I asked him what happened.
According to Firefighter Lipschutz, the resident of the home said the pilot light on his stove “somehow ignited” and he woke up to the smoke detector going off. The resident came downstairs and put the fire out by pouring water on it.
”I told him to get out and (asked) if there was anyone inside,” Firefighter Lipschutz said. “He said no, only his cat was missing.”
Firefighter Lipschutz then went into the residence to make sure the fire was out.
”When I came out I asked if he called 911 and he didn’t,” Firefighter Lipschutz said. “So I ran back to my house and grabbed my phone and a respirator I had from working with chemicals as a lifeguard. I ran back calling 911 and putting the respirator on so I could go back in and find the cat. When I went upstairs I was unable to withstand the smoke condition and had to back out of the house. By that time the first police units were arriving followed by Chief Kervan seconds later.”
According to Firefighter Lipschutz, when Chief Kervan arrived on scene he reported what was happening so the chief could let the responding units know.
”I arrived with smoke showing,” Chief Kervan said.
”When the first due engine arrived, they split its crew with one going to find the pet cat and other to investigate the fire scene,” Firefighter Lipschutz added. “They brought the cat out and I assisted it into the ambulance to get checked out.”
Minimal damage was sustained to the dwelling and the resident was able to re-occupy the home, according to Chief Kervan.
Chief Kervan said the fire was put out and the home was ventilated.
Cranbury First Aid Squad, East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 and Plainsboro Fire Company also responded to the scene to assist, he said.