- January 25, 2025
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Flagler County Fire Rescue received a donation of nine pet oxygen mask kits Tuesday, Dec. 13, from Invisible Fence’s Project Breathe.
Project Breathe was established five years ago with the goal of equipping every fire station in the United States and Canada with pet oxygen masks. These masks allow firefighters to give oxygen to pets that are suffering from smoke inhalation when they are rescued from fires.
“These masks truly are blessings for us,” said Flagler County Fire Chief Don Petito. “We’ve seen residents run back into burning homes to save a pet. It’s understandable, but extremely dangerous. These masks will give residents comfort in knowing that we can save their pets if they are suffering from smoke inhalation.”
Each kit received includes a small, medium and large mask, tubes, stickers for the fire trucks, laminated instructions, a leash and a bag to carry it all.
It is estimated that 40,000 to 150,000 pets die each year in home fires, mostly due to smoke inhalation, according to Jennifer Way, territory marketing coordinator at Invisible Fence Brand.
Invisible Fence has donated a more than 9,500 pet oxygen masks to fire stations. More that 70 pets have been saved by the donated masks so far, Way said.
“When a family suffers the tragedy of a fire, lives are turned upside down,” said Randy Boyd, Invisible Fence president and CEO. “We realize that humans are the first priority, but in many cases, pets can be saved if firefighters have the right equipment. Project Breathe is simply a way of giving firefighters the tools necessary to save pets’ lives.”
MASK NUMBERS
9,500 – kits donated by Invisible Fence in the U.S. and Canada
9 – kits donated to Flagler County Fire Rescue
3 – masks in each kit
70 – pets saved through donated oxygen masks
Contact Shanna Fortier at [email protected].
