TORONTO - Dogs, cats and even turtles will be able to breathe easier now that Toronto firefighters are including pet oxygen masks among their tools when tackling a fire.
Two local organizations have donated the masks to Toronto Fire Services to assist firefighters in reviving pets at an emergency scene when an animal has been overcome by smoke.
"Any kind of intervention -- whether for humans or animals -- does help to save lives," said Capt. Mike Strapko of the Toronto service.
Strapko was on hand Thursday as firefighters struggled -- only slightly -- to fit the bell-shaped mask over the snout of a massive St. Bernard-mastiff during a demonstration.
Unlike the egg-shaped oxygen mask used for humans, the animal version is designed especially for pets and looks more like a square jar.
"It's a better fit than a typical human mask," said Strapko, adding there are different sizes for all the various kinds of animals.
"Even for pocket pets, like a hamster, turtle or a mouse, you could put them in the big, bell-shaped one and just let it sit on the driveway," he said, describing how the mask works as an oxygen chamber.
One set of eight masks will be placed in all 16 district chiefs' vans across the city.
The masks will help prevent the effects of toxic heat and smoke on an animal.
Fire officials said they understand pets are part of the family, and often see people rush back into a burning building to save their animals.
He said homeowners should create an escape plan in case of a fire, practise it and include pets in the plan.
"Pets are extremely important companions to a lot of people and firefighters are well aware of that and give their best efforts," said Strapko. "That's part of their job."
