Do these animal rescues distract from the fire fighters’ work? Not at all, says a London Fire Brigade spokesperson: “Firefighters love animals and we are ready, willing and able to assist distressed or injured animals if needed.”

The work often requires creative problem-solving. In one case, firefighters used a snake-eye camera to locate a dog stuck in a pipe - then cut the pipe and lured the dog out with a sausage. Specialised tools and training are often needed, making the involvement of the fire-fighters essential. In one incident, a swan got stuck on the roof of a high building, requiring a 13.5 metre ladder to reach and save the bird. In several other cases, the fire brigade was called out to attend to large animals in serious distress such as horses stuck in muddy ditches, requiring a co-ordinated effort.

While cats—known for their curiosity—made up the majority of incidents, firefighters found themselves assisting a surprising range of animals in need. From dogs trapped in muddy riverbanks to the occasional pet rat, tortoise or eagle in trouble, the city’s fire crews became unexpected wildlife saviors.