Cats safe after fire at Cat Protection Society
Newtown’s Cat Protection Society was devastated by an electrical fire in the lead-up to Christmas.
The fire started in the garage, caused by a suspected faulty power board, two days before Christmas. It was contained to the garage by sprinklers and no staff or cats were injured.
The seven cats and staff were evacuated immediately and waited outside while NSW Fire Brigade members extinguished the fire and extracted smoke.
Cat Protection Society CEO, Kristina Vesk, told City News no animals were injured during the incident.
“As soon as any staff were allowed to gain access to the building, all cats and kittens were assessed by a vet nurse and found to be alive, if a little stressed,” she said.
“This time of year is the peak kitten season: it is worst time this could happen as the shelter is at maximum capacity and now everyone has to ‘work around’ the damage and divert resources to the recovery effort.”
Ms Vesk said the fire safety and security systems combined with the swift action of the NSW Fire Brigade, Police and Ambulance ensured tragedy was averted and the fire was contained to the garage area.
“Cat Protection would like to thank the emergency services, the kind local business neighbours who offered support and temporary shelter to the cats who were evacuated,” she said.
“We also thank everyone who has sent their kind wishes and support.”
Insurance assessors have conducted a site visit and recovery actions are in place.
The society re-opened for adoptions on Christmas Eve for what is typically its busiest period of the year.
If you would like to support Cat Protection, secure on-line donations can be made via Give Now, accessible from their home page www.catprotection.org.au
By Simon Black
