Firefighters successfully rescued a fox that fell 25 feet into an empty storm tank at a wastewater treatment facility. The incident occurred at the Swalecliffe Wastewater Treatment Works, located near Whitstable. Prompt action was taken after a Southern Water employee reported the situation.
Rescue Operations
Upon receiving the alert, the Fox Project charity, which specializes in rescuing distressed foxes, contacted the local fire service for assistance. The charity deemed the situation hazardous for volunteers, leading to the deployment of a firefighting crew from Whitstable on Christmas Eve.
- Location: Swalecliffe Wastewater Treatment Works, Whitstable
- Rescue Date: Christmas Eve
- Depth of Tank: 25 feet
Extraction Method
The firefighters arrived at Brook Road and utilized a specialized device known as a “grasper” to capture the fox. This allowed them to prevent the animal from escaping further into the tank. After successfully securing the fox, named ‘Stormy’ due to his precarious situation, they placed him in a sack and pulled him out.
Veterinary Care
Following the extraction, Stormy was transported to the Broadway Veterinary Group in Herne Bay for a thorough examination. Veterinarians conducted an X-ray to check for any injuries. Fortunately, Stormy was declared fit and healthy after being monitored overnight.
- Veterinary Location: Broadway Veterinary Group, Herne Bay
- Condition After Rescue: No injuries detected
Return to Habitat
Nicki Townsend, the fundraiser and media manager for the Fox Project, expressed relief at Stormy’s good fortune. He received precautionary anti-inflammatories and remained under observation at the charity’s rescue center in Tunbridge Wells.
By the next day, Stormy was deemed fit for release. A volunteer transported him back to the wooded area near where he was rescued. After being set free, the fox happily ventured into his natural habitat once more.
This remarkable rescue highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation between organizations during emergencies. The efforts of the firefighting team and the Fox Project enabled Stormy the fox to avoid a tragic fate.
