(Credit: Warwick Township Fire Co. No. 1 Facebook)
Warwick Township Fire Company volunteers rang in the new year with two very different emergencies on New Year’s Day, responding first to an unusual animal rescue involving an elderly horse and later to a dwelling fire that displaced pets and homeowners, but spared human life.
In frigid temperatures Thursday, firefighters from Warwick Township Fire Company No. 1 were dispatched to assist a 30-year-old quarter horse named Snickers who was unable to stand inside a barn, according to Warwick Township Fire Co. No. 1.
The call required specialized large-animal rescue techniques, prompting assistance from Midway Fire Company, which brought specialized lifting equipment, and Quakertown Veterinary Clinic, which provided medical support on scene, per reports from the fire company and Bucks County Herald.
Firefighters used joists inside the barn and secured straps around the horse’s abdomen to carefully hoist Snickers back to his feet.
The effort took several hours in freezing conditions. The horse’s owner later thanked responders publicly, saying the crews worked tirelessly to save her longtime companion of more than two decades, according to the Herald.
She reported that Snickers was doing better afterward but remained under observation, per the article.
Just two hours after the rescue concluded, Warwick Fire was dispatched again, this time to a dwelling fire on the 1900 block of Meetinghouse Road. Firefighters were able to rescue a dog, a cat and a turtle from the home. No injuries to residents or responders were reported.
Mutual aid companies responded to assist with fire suppression, including Hartsville Fire Company, Warminster Fire Department, Warrington Fire Company No. 1, and Northampton Township Fire Department. Hartsville Fire Company reported its Engine 93 was the first on scene on Meetinghouse Road and quickly placed water on the fire.
Fire officials praised the quick turnaround and dedication of volunteers who responded to both incidents within hours, calling the New Year’s Day calls a reminder of the unpredictable and demanding nature of volunteer fire service.
