Essex Firefighters Double Animal Rescues from Heights

Firefighters in Essex are answering the call for more furry friends in need, spending 86 hours rescuing animals from heights in 2024-25 compared to just 37 hours in 2021-22.

The increase means rescue crews are dedicating more time to saving cats, birds, and other creatures that find themselves stuck in precarious positions. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the numbers but said no official policy change explains the jump.

Jordan Bailey knows the challenge firsthand. The 33-year-old former firefighter from Rochford spent years climbing trees to rescue cats on his own time after being told it was too risky to do while on duty.

"Every time was dangerous," Bailey said, explaining how branches get thinner and wobblier the higher he climbed. At 15 stone (about 210 pounds), he had to carefully navigate wind and weak limbs to reach frightened animals.

Bailey owns several cats himself, and many end up stuck in trees. He regularly gets calls from neighbors asking him to save their pets too.

While the fire service encourages letting animals find their own way down, Bailey said that's easier said than done. Cats and other creatures are usually much better at climbing up than figuring out how to get back to the ground.

Sunny's Take

What makes Bailey's story even more remarkable is where his rescue mission took him next. He and a friend recently traveled to Ukraine, where they saved hundreds of animals from the warzone.

"Not high spaces, but obviously there's drones flying in the sky above you, so I suppose that's more dangerous than climbing a tree," he said with characteristic understatement.

The fire service now encourages people not to attempt rescues themselves. Their advice: leave food and water nearby and give the animal time and space to come down when it feels safe.

Bailey said he's glad the service is getting more involved in animal rescues. After years of doing it solo, he knows how much it means to families when their beloved pets make it home safely.

Whether it's a cat stuck 30 feet up an oak tree or animals trapped in a conflict zone, some people just can't help but answer the call to help.