New West pet owners still looking for their missing cats after fire
A week after a devastating fire that left many New West residents displaced, the City of New Westminster continues to try to connect owners with their lost cats.
Remarkably, New Westminster Animal Services and New Westminster Fire Rescue Services (NWFRS) have successfully reunited two cats with their owners.
According to a statement from the City of New Westminster, the City has received reports of other cats in the area.
“While the site remains restricted for staff and crews due to hazardous conditions, the security fencing does not prevent cats from moving in and out, so rescue efforts are currently focused on the vicinity of the site and the surrounding neighbourhood,” the City says.
“We know residents are anxious to see searches take place, and we share that urgency,” said Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Gill.
“We know how important these cats are to the people who love them, and our hearts go out to everyone still waiting for answers. Right now, however, the condition of the site simply does not allow anyone to enter. Our responsibility is to ensure everyone’s safety, and that means waiting until the hazards can be addressed before any additional work can take place,” Gill added.
Animal Services believes that some of the cats are travelling in and out of the block where the fire took place and the nearby neighbourhoods.
Amir Ali/Daily Hive
“We know how difficult it is to wait for news about a missing pet,” said Kathryn Holm, Acting Director of Engineering and Public Works, in a statement.
The aftermath. (Amir Ali/Daily Hive)
“Our Animal Services officers remain dedicated to reuniting displaced cats with their families and are working closely with crews and community partners in this ongoing effort. Cats are incredibly resilient and often return to places that are familiar to them. Every report we receive helps build a clearer picture of where these cats are moving and helps focus our response.”
The City urges folks not to enter the property due to the potential for hazardous materials. As mentioned, the area is fenced off, and security is guarding the perimeter.
The fire initially broke out on Friday afternoon last week, and crews were still battling the fire the next day.
The night of the blaze, at around 11 p.m., 10 hours after crews began fighting it. (Amir Ali/Daily Hive)
If you have information that could help reunite the New West pet owners with their cats, call New Westminster Animal Services at 604-519-2008.
“After-hours sightings near the fire site can be reported to the on-site security personnel, who will relay the information to Animal Services,” the City adds.
- You might also like:
- Crews still battling New Westminster fire late into evening
- About 150 residents displaced by major New Westminster apartment fire
- A demolition, finding the cause, and what else remaA demolition, finding the cause, and what else remains for New West neighbourhood after fireins for New West neighbourhood after fire