IT'S a well-known fact that firefighters have traditionally saved cats from trees, but for two County Durham firefighters earlier this week, they came to the rescue of one family after saving their beloved feline from a house fire.

The fire crew from Consett, County Durham, were called to the property yesterday (December 21) after reports of a kitchen fire at a cottage, which was just over the border in Northumberland.

After investigating how to best deal with the situation, attentions quickly turned to saving a vital member of the family; the aptly named Sooty the cat, who was still in the house.

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Thankfully, firefighters Scott and Foster were on the case and managed to get all the family members to safety.

Despite managing to salvage most of the house, the kitchen was left with extensive fire damage after the incident – with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service urging people to keep their eye on the oven and hub, and make sure that smoke alarms are always working.

A spokesperson for the regional fire service said: “All residents, including the gorgeous Sooty, are safe and sound thanks to Consett Greens. The fire was contained to the kitchen of the cottage. The cause of the fire was accidental but is a reminder to keep an eye on your cooking."

The Northern Echo: Sooty with firefighters Scott and Foster after the fire incident. Photo: CDDFRSSooty with firefighters Scott and Foster after the fire incident. Photo: CDDFRS

The Northern Echo: The aftermath of the kitchen fire at the cottage property. Photos: CDDFRS.The aftermath of the kitchen fire at the cottage property. Photos: CDDFRS.

This isn’t the first time that emergency services have come to the rescue of pets recently. After a dog walker got into some difficulty on the edge of the River Browney, in Spennymoor last week, and her dog, Doris, got stuck on a slope.

Firefighters were quick to the scene to help lend a hand, and managed to get Doris and her owner to safety from what could have been a dangerous situation.   

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