Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety (CFRCS) Service have welcomed the arrival of new equipment which could help save the lives of family pets in the event of a fire.

The specially designed pet oxygen masks have been provided by the not-for-profit organisation Smokey Paws thanks to Pets at Home, who have paid for Smokey Paws to provide the kits for 75 fire stations across the UK.

The project with CFRCS was officially launched at Pets At Home, Camborne. The kits will initially be carried on fire engines in Tolvaddon, Newquay, Padstow and St Dennis but it is hoped that masks will eventually be available at all CFRCS stations around the county.

Dr Julian Commons, Phoenix Services Manager, who has been leading the project for CFRCS said: “Having these masks are a great addition to the rescue equipment firefighters carry across Cornwall which will help to further enhance our current response. We are delighted to have the opportunity to now evaluate the benefits and use of the equipment which will help inform the possibility of rolling this equipment out across other community fire stations in Cornwall.”

Brian Lockyer, from Smokey Paws, said: "We urge members of the public and other businesses to support our campaign and join us to get a set of the masks on each of the 3,000 fire engines in the UK. Every pet deserves the best chance of survival and we know these masks save lives.”

James Heard, manager of Pets at Home Camborne, added: “As a group that is passionate about the protection of pets, we are extremely excited to partner with Smokey Paws. We know that the apparatus will be put to good use and will help hardworking firefighters rescue pets and hopefully save lives.”

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for communities, said: “I am extremely pleased to announce the arrival of these kits which will help save the lives of pets which for many people are part of their family. While our firefighters work hard to revive rescued animals using the equipment they already carry, these specially designed kits mean they will be able to give pets an even better chance of survival.”

Smokey Paws believes every pet deserves the same chance of survival as other family members do and is actively encouraging members of the public and businesses in Cornwall to make donations so that these pet oxygen masks are available at fire stations across the county. Visit the website smokeypaws.co.uk for more information or to make your donation or sponsorship pledge.