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COLUMBIA (WACH) - The Columbia Fire Department received six lifesaving pet oxygen mask kits from local pet owners Monday morning.

Officials say Yolanda Wardlaw and Anne Jones of Columbia donated the kits after participating in an online auction raising funds to purchase the kits from the Wag’N O2 Fur Life® Program.

The program was established in 2008 and provides lifesaving kits to fire departments.

Authorities say 10 Columbia fire trucks currently have a pet oxygen kit onboard that are commonly used in instances of smoke inhalation or for resuscitation.

“The ultimate goal is to have one pet oxygen kit on every fire truck and through the launch of this program today with the citizens and business communities of the City of Columbia and Richland County can help us reach that goal," said Chief Aubrey Jenkins.

To Participate: 

The Columbia Fire Department invites you to visit www.petoxygenmasks.org to learn more about the Wag’N O2 Fur Life® Program and to donate lifesaving pet oxygen mask kits to the Columbia Fire Department.  Then choose METHOD #2 to sponsor and under Choose Options select A Fire Department and under Department Information make sure you type in Columbia SC Fire Department.