By Casey Neill
Keysborough firefighters pulled off an unusual rescue after curiosity got the better of Nero the cat.
Brigade captain Paul Townsend said the feline’s owner turned to the CFA crew when they had no luck with the RSPCA and the local ranger.
“They rang the station and it came through to my number,” he said.
That was about 7pm on Sunday 6 August. He made no promises, but turned out with his team.
“They’d only just moved in that day so they had boxes and everything in the garage,” he said.
“There were two cats in there.
“One was head-first behind the hot water service and couldn’t move at all.
“It was a 315 litre electric hot water service.
“That was pushed right into a corner so you’ve only got a very small gap at the back of it.”
They couldn’t budge it left, right or up so grabbed some short hose lengths from the truck and secured them around the tank.
“We physically moved this 300-plus kilogram hot water service,” Capt Townsend said.
Nero was “quite distressed” when they finally freed him.
Food, water and cuddles were first on the agenda, followed by a check-up with the vet.
“It was a feel-good story. The boys and girls did really well,” Capt Townsend said.
“It was good teamwork.
“It took a little bit of working out to find the best plan of action and how we could move this hot water service without damaging it – and damaging the cat.
“The owners were very grateful.”
