A firefighter rescued a cat from the scene of a California wildfire and now she won’t leave her saviour alone.
Firefighter Ryan Coleman was searching through debris in the town of Paradise after Camp Fire tore through the town and destroyed buildings, businesses and homes.
As Ryan raked through what was left of the town, he came across a beautiful fluffy grey cat who’d thankfully survived the terrifying fire.
Take a look at their adorable friendship here:
Paradise was evacuated before the blaze hit, suggesting the stray cat may have been left behind by her owners.
Clearly happy to have another human to call her own, the cat made herself at home on Ryan’s shoulder and showed her affection by rubbing her furry face all over his cheek.
From the sound of Ryan’s ‘cat voice’ in the video, I think it’s safe to say the love was reciprocated.
The firefighter shared adorable pictures of the loving cat to Facebook, showing her pawing at his leg and trying to get as close to him as possible.
Ryan wrote:
Kitty rescue. She just chilled on my neck and shoulders as I’d walk around.
Kitty rescue. She just chilled on my neck and shoulders as I’d walk around.
Posted by Ryan Coleman on Tuesday, 13 November 2018
The firefighter replied to a comment saying how he ‘wished’ he could have taken the fluffy cat home, but he had to continue working in the destroyed town for several days.
The Camp Fire began almost two weeks ago, on November 8. Since then, it’s burned through more than 151,000 acres and destroyed more than 11,700 homes.
The current death toll stands at 79, according to CNN. Four to six inches of rain have been forecast in the area for later this week, and while this may assist in diminishing the fire, the rain may cause more problems for firefighters.
GettyAs the flames have destroyed the vegetation in the area, there is nothing to soak up the rain. The area will become extremely muddy and may even result in mudslides, making it difficult for those working to put out the fire to move about.
Scott McLean, deputy chief for Cal Fire, said:
They’re having to fight this fire right now in the mountainous areas – the ravines, the canyons, very steep, rugged terrain.
They’re back there on dirt roads, dirt trails, trying to fight this fire. Now it’s going to turn into mud, which will be another hazard for them to contend with.
GettyA Cal Fire report explains the fire is expected to be fully contained by November 30; although this means there’s still over a week of destruction left to face.
Speaking about the devastating effects of the blaze, Butte County Sheriff and Coroner, Kory Honea said:
It is overwhelming, I don’t have any word to describe it. This is unprecedented. No one has had to deal with this magnitude that caused so much destruction and regrettably so much death.
All those working to stop the fire, search the debris and take care of those affected are doing an incredible job. Our thoughts are with all those involved.
If you have a story you want to tell, send it to [email protected].
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.