Firefighter rescues bobcat kitten from ashes of Charlotte County brush fire

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. (WINK)— A tiny bobcat kitten is getting a second chance after firefighters pulled her from the ashes of a brush fire.

Bayshore Volunteer Firefighter Julian Roman-Kulwicki was working a brush fire on Orange Blossom Blvd. in Charlotte County on May 24 when he spotted a bobcat kitten meowing and crawling out of a pile of ashes.

"I went over, grabbed it and wrapped it in my jacket," Roman-Kulwicki said.

The fire is believed to have been sparked by lightning and burned across 4 acres, according to the Bayshore Fire Department.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, known as CROW, is now caring for the kitten, estimated to be four to six weeks old.

Veterinarians at CROW did not find any burns, injuries or current issues with the kitten's lungs, but she is being closely monitored.

"Right now, she is stable and resting comfortably in our care, which is encouraging," said Dr. Jessica Comolli, CROW's Research and Medical Director. 

"One of our biggest concerns at this stage is the possibility of smoke inhalation. Even when animals appear stable initially, respiratory complications can develop over time, so we are monitoring her very closely. We're very grateful to the Bayshore Fire team for bringing in this bobcat kitten to CROW," Dr. Comolli added.

Roman-Kulwicki, who has been a volunteer at the Bayshore Fire Department for about a month, said he is trained to "protect life."

"She was cold to the touch, so I tried to warm her up," he said.

"I started to do research and found out it was a baby bobcat."

Bayshore Fire Captain William LeMieux was at the station when the kitten arrived wrapped in firefighting gear.

"I washed her off. She was exhausted," LeMieux said. "I'm relieved the bobcat kitten is with CROW. I know she is in good hands there and hopefully will get back to the wild," he added.

Roman-Kulwicki has affectionately named the bobcat kitten Ash.

Southwest Florida residents with questions about orphaned or injured wildlife can call CROW's first responder team at 239-472-3644, ext. 222.