Published April 21. 2022 10:58AM
All three volunteer South Whitehall Township fire departments, Woodlawn, Greenawalds and Cetronia responded to a working dwelling fire April 5 at 1702 N. 17th St., South Whitehall.
Also dispatched were Cetronia Ambulance Corps, Whitehall Township Station 39, Western Salisbury, Allentown City and Catasauqua fire departments.
Initial reports indicated there was entrapment involving residents.
Greenawalds Fire Chief Andrew Garger was the first chief to arrive on scene and was told by a resident her “baby” was inside.
It turned out the “baby” was a 16-year-old cat named “Mace.”
Cetronia firefighter Robert Wessner entered the dwelling and found the cat unconscious on the first floor.
“Mace” was handed over to Cetronia Ambulance Medics who administered oxygen by way of a pet oxygen mask.
The cat was taken to the Walbert Animal Hospital for evaluation and follow-up treatment.
According to Lehigh County Assessment records, the home is owned by Bashkim and Aferdita Tolaj.
Greenawalds Fire Department Deputy Chief Chris Peischl prepares to enter the residence at 1702 N. 17th St., South Whitehall Township April 5 during a fire at the home. PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
Cetronia Ambulance Corps Stroke Truck EMT Jason Lindtner, CRNP Mark Grayber and Western Salisbury Voluntee Fire Company Chief Josh Wells attend to “Mace” following a fire in the owner's home 2:36 p.m. April 5 at 1702 N. 17th St., South Whitehall Township.
Eyes open! “Mace,” the family pet opens his eyes while receiving oxygen following a fire April 5 in his owner's home at 1702 N. 17th St., South Whitehall Township.
