Cat Wears Tiny Oxygen Mask in Rescue From Hayward Apartment Fire

A resident was arrested on suspicion of being intoxicated at the site of a one-alarm apartment fire where a cat was rescued in Hayward Wednesday morning, fire and police officials said.

Firefighters were dispatched at 10:54 a.m. to a report of a fire at an apartment in the 27200 block of Tyrrell Avenue, about a half-mile north of West Tennyson Road, Hayward fire spokesman Capt. Don Nichelson said.

A man living in the home tried to light a newspaper on fire outside the front door of the unit but the blaze spread to both floors of the residence, Nichelson said.

Firefighters entered the burning apartment and rescued a cat found inside. The cat was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and minor burns, Nichelson said.

The city's animal services bureau responded to transport the cat to a veterinarian for treatment and evaluation, he said.

The fire threatened an adjacent unit but it did not sustain damage, according to Nichelson. The blaze was extinguished at about 11:10 a.m., he said. Fire investigators determined the resident unintentionally set the blaze, according to Nichelson.

Hayward police Sgt. Ryan Cantrell said the man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication following the fire. His name and age were not immediately available.

Copyright BAYCN - Bay City News
Contact Us