Firefighters rescue cat from burning unit in started by lightning strike in Fairlight

Phish, a 14-year-old tabby cat, can thank firefighters from Manly, Dee Why and Mosman for saving her life after she was trapped alone in a blazing flat.

A Manly firefighter with a pet cat rescued from a unit in Fairlight St, Fairlight. Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

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Firefighters were forced to battle through thick black smoke and flames to rescue a cat choking to death in a unit fire started by lightning.

Wearing breathing apparatus and armed with a thermal imaging camera and hose, the firefighters found the 14-year-old pet puss struggling to breathe on Monday night.

Manly firefighter Christian Fehily looks after Phish just moments after the 14-year-old cat was rescued from a unit in Fairlight St, Fairlight, which was badly damaged by a fire caused by an electrical problem during a lightning storm. Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

Phish, the 14-year-old female cat rescued from a burning flat by firefighters. Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

The bedraggled cat, named Phish, was covered in soot and gasping for air when it was discovered huddled on the floor. It was home alone.

The third-floor unit, in Fairlight St, Fairlight, had caught alight at the height of the dramatic electrical storm that carved a path across the northern beaches on Monday evening.

The unit in Fairlight St was badly damaged by heat and water. . Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

Investigators believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike overloading a powerboard in the loungeroom. Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

An initial investigation by NSW Fire & Rescue suggested the blaze started with a lightning strike that blew out a powerboard in the lounge room just before 5pm.

Trucks from Manly, Dee Why and Mosman, including a ladder platform vehicle, responded to the triple-0 call for help made by neighbours.

Station Officer Robert Speer, from Manly Fire Station, said when firefighters arrived in Fairlight St they saw black smoke coming from a unit on third floor.

“After we gained entry we extinguished the fire and then noticed the cat inside,” Station Officer Speer said.

Electronic equipment damaged in the blaze. Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

“The cat was covered in soot and was struggling, another minute more and she would have probably died.

“Our crew got her outside and as soon as she got into the fresh air she started breathing better and we took her straight to the vet to be checked out.”

The unit was badly damaged by heat and smoke.

Phish is recovering well after her ordeal.