ALLOA Fire Station has received a donation of equipment that could be life-saving for pets caught up in house fires.

Jennifer MacNeil and her family handed over the oxygen masks which are made specifically for animals by Smokey Paws.

The Coalsnaughton woman had been looking for a way to remember her dad, Ewen Anderson, who passed away in 2013 from the rare Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

When she stumbled across the not-for-profit group, which provides masks for emergency services in the UK, she thought it would be the perfect tribute.

Her dad was a stickler for health and safety, having being employed in fire protection companies, advised business and worked alongside fire brigades and with the petrochemical industry.

He also set up his own business, Ewen Anderson Fire Protection, and acted as agent and distributor for fire-fighting equipment and signs.

Jennifer said: “I have been looking for something to do in memory of my dad which encompassed his job, family and his love of dogs.

“I have a Lhasa Apso called Dylan and mum has a Lhasa Apso called Deefur.

“My dad was always doing favours for people and would literally have given someone the shirt from his own back if they needed it.

“Back at the start of the year I came across a charity called Smokey Paws; they work in partnership with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to equip Scotland's fire appliances with pet compatible oxygen resuscitation equipment.

“As soon as I saw this, I knew this was the perfect way to do something in memory of my dad.”

Smokey Paws was founded in 2015 by Brian and Lynn Lockyer (Carberry) and, as a fire safety consultant, Ron Ewing heard about it soon after.

He agreed to promote the scheme in Scotland and when a partnership agreement between the organisation and the fire service was formalised in June 2016, Smokey Paws (Scotland) was born.

Mr Ewing, now Scottish national coordinator, said: “At Smokey Paws (Scotland), we are committed to ensuring that all Scotland’s pets get the best chance of survival if they are caught up in a fire situation.

"This can only be achieved with the help and support of the great Scottish public, who give up their time and hard earned money and devote their energies into raising funds to make this possible.

"Without people like Jennifer, there would be no Smokey Paws (Scotland). On behalf of all Scotland’s animals, we are truly grateful.”

The kits cost £90 and come in a sturdy canvas holdall which contains three different sized masks with oxygen tubing, plus two soft muzzles and a slip lead to help control a frightened animal, once it has been resuscitated.

If anyone would like to donate, they can get in touch with Ron, ron@smokeypaws.co.uk