ClayCoNews
MANCHESTER, KY – Scotty and Kayla Smith who live on north U.S. Highway 421 were at work Friday, April 18, 2025 when they learned that their house was on fire.
When the Smiths arrived they found the front part of their home engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to subdue the blaze but the damage to the residence was quite substantial, leaving the home in an unlivable condition
The three Smith sons were heartbroken because they had left their cat and her four kittens in a bedroom. As soon as firefighters subdued the flames they entered to look for them.
The mama cat did not survive but the four kittens who were four to five weeks old did. At first they appeared lifeless but firefighters massaged their little bodies and blew gently on their faces until they responded and began to move and look around.
What caused the blaze has not been determined.
City Of Manchester Fire Department's report Below:
At approximately 14:20 PM on April 18th, 2025, our department was dispatched by Clay County E-911 to a residential structure fire.
Firefighter Attempting to revive mama cat —Photo credit: City Of Manchester Fire Department
Upon arrival, there was heavy fire showing from the front door of the residence. Firefighters made an aggressive offensive attack on the fire, containing it to one room of the home. Firefighters were able to successfully rescue 4 small kittens from the home. After removing the kittens from the home, firefighters, along with Clay EMS, provided oxygen and lifesaving care to the animals suffering from smoke inhalation.
Before clearing the scene, firefighters contacted the Red Cross directly for the family involved.
Assisting on scene: Burning Springs Fire Department, Clay EMS, Manchester PD, and Clay County Sheriff's Office.
