Just before 8:30 a.m. Monday, the Kern County Fire Emergency Communications Dispatch Center (ECC)  received a 911 report of a puppy trapped in a vault approximately 20 feet down.

First arriving crews found the puppy in good condition unable to get out on its own. Engine 51 requested the USAR out of Station 52 to assist with the confined space rescue.

Crews used air monitoring devices to monitor the air to make sure no hazardous materials were present. Firefighters were lowered down via ropes to retrieve the puppy. The puppy was rescued without incident or injury. No injuries to firefighters or civilians.

The Kern County Fire Department believes a life is a life,  human or canine. This was also a great training opportunity at no extra cost to the department to practice life saving skills by the Urban Search and Rescue Company.