Brevard firefighters save ‘Lucky’ with push from burning residence

A cat named Lucky lived up to his name on Sunday when he was rescued by Brevard County firefighters from his burning Canaveral Groves home.

The fire erupted in the garage of the house on Canaveral Groves Boulevard and firefighters were able to douse the flames before they spread to the rest of the structure, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue.

The four adults and one child who were living in the home weren’t injured, but Lucky needed a gentle push to escape the blaze.

Firefighters administered oxygen to the black cat using a pet oxygen mask, a device fitted for snouts and beaks that allows rescuers to treat animals for smoke inhalation.

About 500,000 pets nationwide are involved in a house fire every year and more than 40,000 pets die from smoke inhalation, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Authorities had previously struggled with saving animals using protocols meant for humans. Now, many Central Florida fire department vehicles are equipped with Fido Bags — pet rescue kits that include tools such as an oxygen mask, gloves, water dish and a leash.

“Lucky the cat had a bad day, but BCFR has his back,” the department wrote on Facebook.

The Red Cross is assisting the family who was displaced from their home.