[Faline]

How many firemen does it take to rescue a squirrel?

Seven, judging by the evidence of these pictures. It also took three tenders, two ladders and a whole heap of bother to come to the rodent’s aid after it became stranded in a pond.

Crews more used to tackling road accidents and burning buildings saved the day after a resident called to say the creature had fallen in and couldn’t climb out.

As a ladder was used to reach an islands of rocks and reeds where it had sought refuge, the squirrel swam a short way before climbing up the rungs and jumping to safety.

At one stage a fireman also got into the water to help.

Hertfordshire fire and rescue service yesterday said it sent a task force to Watford on Sunday lunchtime because early reports suggested there were people in the water.

‘Had it been made clear to us during the first 999 call that no one was in the water, we would have left the squirrel to the RSPCA,’ said a spokesman.

Reaction on Twitter was mixed, with one pointing out that squirrels can swim and another saying, ‘It’s only a ladder & a few mins of someone’s time.’

Another online post claimed the drama was a good training exercise and publicity for the service but added: ‘Had there been a real emergency at that time, Tufty would have had to swim a lot further.’

[Kanda444]

that's kind of cool... it's like they figured "meh... we're already here and got the gear out... may as well help the little guy"

[AmericanIllusions]

How the heel did he even get over there in the first place? Squirrels always acting weird. I don't trust 'em

[Sharon]

Aw that's so sweet!!

[kellyhound]

not something you encounter on a daily or even monthly basis.

[Azimuth]

Aww

[K9Grip]

Why would you not? Squirrel's have feelings too.

[Kanda444]

Originally Posted by K9Grip ↗

Why would you not? Squirrel's have feelings too.

because they can swim and he could have likely gotten out by himself if he wasnt injured ...but it was a sweet gesture, none the less and it was great of them to do that.

[K9Grip]

Originally Posted by Kanda444 ↗

because they can swim and he could have likely gotten out by himself if he wasnt injured ...but it was a sweet gesture, none the less and it was great of them to do that.

Maybe there was something in the water that would have kept him from swimming to the ledge? I'm just making up BS because I totally support the decision to get him out. He could have been a lackluster swimmer and drowned?

[Kanda444]

Originally Posted by K9Grip ↗

Maybe there was something in the water that would have kept him from swimming to the ledge? I'm just making up BS because I totally support the decision to get him out. He could have been a lackluster swimmer and drowned?

fair enough...

he probably swam out there to get food he saw on the island and was just about to eat when the firemen showed up. way to go, firemen.