"Well done lads!" - Animal lovers online praise Dublin Fire Brigade after cat rescued and nursed back to health in viral post

Recently, the Dublin Fire Brigade gained huge praise following an extraordinary rescue of a cat known as Biscuit, who was rescued from a house fire in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin.

The rescue operation quickly went viral after the Dublin Fire Brigade shared images on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). That was when a firefighter cradled Biscuit and administered oxygen to him. Such an act wins the hearts of animal lovers throughout the world.

Over 600k views and countless comments praised the efforts of the brigade on this post.

One user appreciated the efforts, saying:

"Well done lads! 👍🐱"

Another added:

"Pets are family too, wonderful initiative 🙏"

A user mentioned:

"Amazing. Glad you are conducting the trials. Animals and animal owners thank you. Let's hope this becomes the standard across the world!"

A user went on to suggest:

"All fire depts should keep pet oxygen masks."

A comment read:

"Pets are family. People put themselves at risk trying to save them. This is a great initiative."

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Background of the incident

On February 2, 2025, the Dublin Fire Brigade received an emergency call regarding a residential fire. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered Biscuit, the cat, unconscious and in dire need of assistance.

The Breathing Apparatus crew quickly intervened to save the feline's life. A spokesperson for the brigade explained that Biscuit was found amidst the smoke and chaos of the blaze, prompting immediate action from the firefighters to revive him.

“Firefighter "Paw"amedic Carrick placed a pet oxygen mask on Biscuit and after 10 minutes, Biscuit was snuggling into it's owner.”

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The rescue operation

Firefighter 'Paw'medic Carrick saved Biscuit with the help of a unique pet oxygen mask. The equipment is part of a Dublin Fire Brigade trial to improve their capability for saving pets in emergencies.

Within ten minutes after receiving oxygen, Biscuit started to recover and was shortly reunited with his owner, promising a happy end to such a potentially tragic situation.

While rescuing Biscuit, the firefighters rescued another dog and pet budgerigar from the same house. However, these animals did not need oxygen therapy.

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Why pet oxygen masks are important

The use of pet oxygen masks is increasingly seen as an essential tool for emergency services responding to fires or hazardous situations. Dublin Fire Brigade has been testing such masks as part of the rising recognition of animal rights and welfare in emergency response.

This specialized equipment will enable firefighters to immediately care for pets suffering from smoke inhalation or other injuries sustained during emergencies.

Experts recommend pet owners take some preventive measures for future such accidents. These are ready-to-use carriers and each owner knows exactly where their pet is at a moment's notice and an emergency fire escape plan.

If it is impossible to locate a pet during an emergency, the owner should leave first and alert the firefighters of the presence of pets and likely locations.