It’s one of the first questions Battle Creek firefighters hear after extinguishing a house fire — whether from neighbors, loved ones, or city staff. The question reflects a shared concern for every life affected and the deep trust our community places in its first responders. 

According to national pet ownership statistics, more than 70 percent of U.S. households include at least one pet. In Battle Creek, dogs and cats rescued from fires will have a better chance of survival thanks in part to a grant from the Battle Creek Community Foundation that will equip every fire apparatus with new pet oxygen mask kits. 

During a house fire response in August, Battle Creek Fire Department crews found Zeke, a 10-year-old mixed-breed golden Labrador, limp and barely conscious on the second-floor landing of the home. After 15 minutes of resuscitation with a pet oxygen mask, firefighters, and LifeCare first responders, were able to save Zeke’s life. 

Kristen Greenwood, Zeke’s owner, said her family is forever grateful. “Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the City of Battle Creek Fire Department for their heroic efforts in saving our dog, Zeke,” she said. “Their quick action, compassion, and the specialized animal rescue equipment they used made all the difference in bringing our boy safely back to us.” 

Zeke’s life was saved using a pet oxygen mask that was donated more than a decade ago. Now, with those masks falling apart due to age and use, after witnessing several family pets injured or killed in housefires this year, Battalion Chief Bush McCarthy said the department reviewed options to once again outfit each apparatus with pet oxygen masks, resulting in a grant from the BCCF for 11 kits. 

Pet oxygen masks are designed to deliver supplemental oxygen to animals suffering from respiratory distress and smoke inhalation. Each kit includes three sizes of polycarbonate masks with dual vents and a rubber-mounted 22 mm oxygen adapter, allowing unrestricted airflow. Masks are sanitized after each use and reused until they are no longer in good condition. Pet fire safety stickers will also be available to alert firefighters to the presence of animals inside a home. 

“Our goal is to support residents and the community in the prevention of fires from even starting,” said Fire Marshal Patrick Cleland.  

But fire moves fast and, according to the National Fire Protection Association, you may have as little as two minutes to safely escape a house fire. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a fire by half. 

Despite everyone’s best efforts, fires can still happen. Cleland encourages neighbors to take advantage of prevention resources, including the department’s free smoke and carbon monoxide alarm devices and installation services. He also urges families to develop and practice a fire safety plan that includes all household members — pets, too. 

Greenwood said Zeke’s rescue is a powerful reminder of the incredible dedication of first responders and the importance of having the right tools available in an emergency. She added that her family is thankful for the community support and ongoing grant efforts that aim to provide even more animal rescue equipment — ensuring other pets in need will have the same chance Zeke did. 

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the Battle Creek Fire Department and to everyone who continues to champion these lifesaving efforts for our four-legged family members,” Greenwood said. 

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