Trapped Owl Rescued By Fairfield Firefighters

FAIRFIELD, CT — A large owl that had become stuck in the chimney of a Fairfield Woods home on Tuesday was pulled out to safety by Fairfield firefighters, according to authorities.

"The owl had fallen down the chimney shaft and become logged just above the damper," officials wrote on Facebook. "The owl was too large for crews to remove it through the damper opening below, and was unable to expand his wings to fly out on his its own."

To free the bird, firefighters created a makeshift "owl elevator," using rope and a personal flotation device from one of the fire trucks.

Firefighters lowered a rope down the chimney, then attached the flotation device to the rope underneath the owl, which it was able to sit on. Then they slowly pulled the rope up through the chimney, with the owl resting on the flotation device.

"Once at the opening [of the chimney], the owl was able to spread its wings and fly to a nearby tree for a much-needed rest," officials wrote. "Fairfield Animal Control responded to the scene in case the owl was in need of medical attention, but none was required.

"After a brief rest the owl was on its way, thankful for Fairfield's bravest ingenuity."