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Escaped burning building with Mr C, who saved my life

56 replies

Corygal · 16/04/2015 22:53

Greetings LT regulars. I'm just about compos enough to type this, because am still knackered. On Tuesday my block of flats caught fire in the night. Not everyone got out, and the police are still trying to trace next of kin for the guy in ITU, so it hasn't been on the news yet.

Me and Mr C are both OK, entirely because of his actions. About 1130pm he stood by the flat front door howling, so I broke off while typing frenziedly to a hideous deadline, and opened the front door. Nothing. He didn't want to go out. I shut the door and grabbed the laptop back. But he stood by the door and suddenly let out a howl I had never heard before. So I thought okaaay and opened up again, swung my head round to see what he was getting at, and saw a plume of smoke rising in leisurely fashion up the lift shaft. The smell of burning was strong.

Grabbed Mr C in both arms and bolted. Met a neighbour who'd come out sniffing and we charged along the corridoors howling at everyone to get out, then caned it down 4 flights of stairs. Mr C weighed a ton but I kept on running. Met about 150 other residents all in pajamas and flip flops all gathered on the common. 4 fire engines, 40 police, you name it. Two hours outside watching the firemen and police, then we got back in. Eyes burning, smell everywhere, everyone coughing madly all night.

Mr C was petrified but I clung on and he was so good - no biting or scratching at all. Loads of neighbours came up to compliment us on his fine looks. I noticed everyone else had grabbed their keys and phone - I just grabbed Mr C.

I have been on aspirin ever since as have stinking tooth abscess not improved by spending half the night barefoot in a park, and Mr C is now living entirely on Gourmet and Dreamies. I didn't think I could love him any more, but I do.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 16/04/2015 22:57

Wow. I'm so glad you both escaped - what a star Mr C is.

Have you a place to stay?

GaryBaldy · 16/04/2015 22:59

What a terrifying situation but such a courageous cat. Thank goodness you are safe. Flowers

RandomMess · 16/04/2015 22:59

Well done Mr C Flowers

Corygal · 16/04/2015 23:01

Yes, am back in flat - the burnout was downstairs & the fire brigade put it out (eventually) so we are all safe.

Mr Cory hates being picked up and was a bit moody about being carried for so long, but he was petrified and I didn't dare let him go in case he bolted across the park in the dead of night.

He made a meal of it when we got in, giving me baleful looks while having a big wash, but then when I turned the light out he hopped onto the bed and settled down. We passed out for hours.

OP posts:
timtam23 · 16/04/2015 23:01

Goodness how scary for you both. Well done Mr C, he deserves a bravery medal!Star

cozietoesie · 16/04/2015 23:06

I have a weekend bag (with fleece in) for Seniorboy in the event of fire. If there was a blaze on the ground floor it would need a fireladder to get out of the top so he'd have to be lowered - no holding in a pyjama jacket would work I'm afraid.

Glad you're back in the flat. Is there a stink?

Corygal · 16/04/2015 23:06

We had a good cuddle last night as he was clearly grumpy his Tuesday night snuggle schedule was so rudely interrupted.

He likes the warm weather but suffers with cold feet in bed until summer comes. Last night he waited till he thought I was asleep, then sneaked his hind legs up my nightie to warm his little paws on my back. I think he's got over the trauma.

OP posts:
Corygal · 16/04/2015 23:10

It did smell but thanks to leaving all doors and windows open for 48 hours it's fine now. The soot, on the other hand....

The police and the fire brigade were there all night - firemen fearless and wonderful.

OP posts:
Mitzi50 · 16/04/2015 23:10

Star well done Mr C

Corygal · 16/04/2015 23:13

Cozie that is a brilliant idea about the weekend bag. There was no time to get Mr C in basket and anyway I can't run with it. What I am going to do, though, is keep his lead and collar by the door so at least I can put him down - likes paws on floor - if it happens again.

OP posts:
Selks · 16/04/2015 23:47

Wow, well done MrC, so glad you both got out ok. I hope the poor person who didn't makes a good recovery Sad
Does your block of flats have smoke alarms / sprinkler system in the communal areas?

Corygal · 16/04/2015 23:49

Does it hell, Selks. There's a big row going on about that.

OP posts:
GiddyOnZackHunt · 16/04/2015 23:52

Hope the guy makes a good recovery and your deadline was met or extended!

jaspercat2002 · 16/04/2015 23:55

I love a hero cat story! Well done Mr C and glad everyone is safe.

SecretNutellaFix · 17/04/2015 00:00

Glad you and your feline hero are safe.

I do hope there is better news about that poor chap in ITU, and that finally someone gets off their arse and installs safety basics like alarms and a sprinkler.

jaspercat2002 · 17/04/2015 00:09

Sorry - completely missed the bit about the neighbour in ITU. What an awful event for you all - hope he recovers well.

Ratfinkandbobo · 17/04/2015 00:10

All hail MrC the cat hero!

RubbishMantra · 17/04/2015 00:41

Oh, bless you all. And bless you all again. Hope your neighbour will be out of ICU soon.

Healing thoughts to all sets of lungs.

PeppermintCrayon · 17/04/2015 00:52

What an amazing cat! Glad you are okay and good wishes to your neighbours.

Corygal · 17/04/2015 18:41

Neighbour is recovering, which is great. Mr C is a celebrity pet! He is having his pic taken for the local paper on Monday as he saved lives!!!!

OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 17/04/2015 18:44

Mr C you are truly a hero.

huge hugs and kisses and treats

Mintyy · 17/04/2015 18:50

What an amazing story! So pleased to hear neighbour is recovering.

And that is positively awful about the lack of smoke alarms in your common areas Shock. Is it a council block? or who are the management company?

cozietoesie · 17/04/2015 18:54

I think we need picture of the hero of the hour, Corygal ?

Smile
PeaceOfWildThings · 17/04/2015 18:54

Oh that's wonderful! [brew for you and [tuna] [fish] for your cat.

cozietoesie · 17/04/2015 18:54

*a picture