Heartwarming cat rescue stories often tug at the heartstrings and bring a sense of joy and hope to those who hear them. While many cats are rescued from dire situations and find a calm and contented life in a forever home, some cats go on to take on a more active and involved role. Such is the case for a number of cats who have chosen to serve as the resident cat at a local fire station.
Not only do these firehouse cats bring an increased sense of morale to the squad, but they also serve a practical purpose – keeping pesky vermin away from the station. To honor these cats who have taken on a life of public service, let us meet a few of the most well-known firehouse cats.
Flame is perhaps the most famous of all firehouse cats. He was discovered by workers at the Belmont Fire Department in Greenville, South Carolina, when they heard a stream of continuous meows coming from behind the station. Upon investigation, they found a small, malnourished cat hunkered down in the grass. After being rescued and taken in, Flame quickly took to life at the station and was even said to lower the collective stress levels of the crew.
Scout is a plucky tortoiseshell who is a beloved fixture of the Ladder 7 firehouse in New York City. She made her social media debut in 2019 with a selfie wearing a knitted red firefighter’s hat, and has since taken responsibility for the firehouse’s Engine 16. She has been known to nap on the vehicle and even caused a scare in March 2021 when she went missing. Thankfully, Scout was found and was able to return to her duties as a proud firecat.
Burkey is a cocksure gray-and-white firehouse cat who resides in the Wissinoming neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. He is responsible for making daily spot checks on the fire crew’s engine, and has even been entrusted with official vermin control responsibilities to keep the firehouse sanitary.
Finally, we have Carlow, the “O.G. of firehouse cats” who resides at the New York City Fire Department Ladder 13 station house in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan. This white-and-ginger chap bills himself on social media as the “O.G. of firehouse cats” and claims, “I don’t do baths but I do love treats.” According to lore, Carlow was discovered hiding in a tire in a mechanic’s shop before being taken in by the firehouse. His duties include overseeing everyone and everything, and he is even named after the firehouse’s favorite local pub.
These four intrepid firehouse felines are just a few of the cats who have chosen to take on a life dedicated to public service. From Flame in South Carolina to Carlow in New York City, these cats have become beloved fixtures of their respective fire stations and have served as a reminder of the good that can come from rescuing cats in need.
