MONROE COUNTY— First responders in Central Indiana had their hands full with feathered friends this Wednesday, as two separate agencies stepped in to save young animals from life-threatening situations.
Smoke-Filled Rescue on West Crum Road
Firefighters from the Monroe Fire Protection District and Eastern Greene Fire Territory were dispatched Wednesday evening to the 9800 block of West Crum Road, just outside of Bloomington, following reports of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, crews reported no visible flames from the exterior of the residence. The homeowner, who had already evacuated safely, informed firefighters that a small fire had broken out in an upstairs bathroom.
While one team worked quickly to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher, successfully stopping the fire before it could spread to the rest of the structure, another team made a surprising discovery. Inside the smoke-filled bathroom, firefighters found and successfully rescued a group of baby chicks.
The chicks were moved to safety and are expected to be fine, thanks to the rapid response that prioritized both the property and the small lives within it.
Lebanon Police Reunite Duckling Family
Nearly 50 miles away in Lebanon, local police officers were engaged in a different kind of rescue mission.
The Lebanon Police Department (LPD) responded to a call regarding a group of ducklings that had fallen through a sewer grate and became trapped. In what officers described as a delicate and persistent operation, they managed to retrieve “every stubborn little duckling” from the drainage system.
In a heartwarming update shared on social media, the LPD confirmed that the ducklings were successfully reunited with their mother, who had been waiting nearby.
“Our officers were able to safely rescue every duckling and get them back to their mom, where they belong,” the department posted.
While the incidents were unrelated, they highlight the diverse nature of emergency services in Indiana. From fire suppression to animal welfare, local agencies continue to prove that no call is too small when it comes to serving the community.
Ways to Help Local Wildlife:
- Report Emergencies: If you see animals in distress in public infrastructure, contact local non-emergency lines or 911 if they pose a traffic hazard.
- Fire Safety: Ensure heat lamps for brooders (such as those used for chicks) are kept away from flammable materials and are secured firmly to prevent house fires.
