Lt. Bill Miller of Engine 14 comes out with a scared, cold cat and reunites it with owner. Nice. pic.twitter.com/sIwBpFyBYX
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 1, 2015
The one person who lives at 9 Porter St. escaped with his dog from an early-morning fire. Firefighters later rescued his scared and wet kitty, who was trapped in the house during most of the blaze.
Steve MacDonald of the Boston Fire Department said multiple 911 calls came in around 5:12 a.m. Sunday for fire at a large home at the corner of Porter and Jess.
Firefighters have determined the blaze started in the basement but the cause is still under investigation. The fire did an estimated $700,000 to the 2 1/2 story single-family. Property records indicate it's a 1,989 square foot home.
Fire crews were concerned when the early-morning call came in, as that often indicates many people may be asleep in the home. However, only one person lives at 9 Porter St. and he made it out safely.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 1, 2015
His cat, however, didn't make it out in the early stages and was trapped inside during most of the blaze. The chief on scene ordered firefighters out of the interior of the building to put water streams from three sides from the outside of the home. A firefighter rescued the cat later once the building was safe to reenter.
"Cats are fairly resilient and find places to hide," said MacDonald.
The man who lives at the home was taken to a hospital for a check and one firefighter needed treatment for a cut finger, MacDonald said.
Firefighters were happy to see that the two nearest fire hydrants were clear of snow and ice.
"There was no issue with hydrants," MacDonald said.