Firefighters in Oakland, California, administered oxygen to a pigeon that suffered smoke inhalation from a vehicle fire earlier this week. The Oakland Firefighters Local 55 union shared the heartwarming footage on social media, which has since gone viral.
Pigeon sought help from crew
The crew reported that the pigeon approached them seeking help after a vehicle fire. The bird appeared to be in distress and had likely inhaled smoke from the blaze. Firefighters responded by placing an oxygen mask over the pigeon's face as it stood on the road.
According to the union's social media post, the pigeon flew away after clearing its lungs. The video, which shows the firefighter gently holding the mask, has captivated the internet, receiving over 1 million likes on Instagram as of Thursday afternoon.
Community praise for animal rescue
The crew's actions drew widespread praise online, with one commenter saying, "I will gladly keep paying taxes if this is what it keeps getting used for." The incident echoes a recent rescue in southern California, where firefighters saved four cats from a fire-damaged apartment. Three of the cats were not breathing but were revived using oxygen tanks and CPR, according to the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department. All four cats survived.
Firefighters' compassion goes viral
The Oakland firefighters' compassionate response highlights the dedication of first responders to all living beings. The pigeon's recovery and subsequent flight demonstrate the effectiveness of prompt medical intervention, even for small animals.
