Cats survive Jurupa Valley apartment fire after firefighters and deputy perform CPR

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Several cats in distress survived a residential fire earlier this week in Jurupa Valley after firefighters and a Riverside County sheriff's deputy performed CPR on the felines, body camera images showed.

"During a recent residential fire, Deputy Maldonado worked alongside our partners at CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department to ensure everyone made it out safely, including some very important four-legged family members," the sheriff's department said in a social media post, which included photos of Maldonado and firefighters attending to cats at the scene.

The first responders are seen holding oxygen masks over three of the cats' faces until they resumed breathing on their own.

"Because of all their quick thinking and lifesaving efforts, the animals are alive today," the photo caption said.

The fire department said the incident occurred on Monday at an apartment where four cats were found, three of whom were initially unconscious and not breathing.

"After several tense minutes, the cats began to regain consciousness... and soon were up and walking around. Because of the teamwork and determination of everyone on scene, all four cats survived," the fire department said in a statement.

There were no reports of any other injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation.