BOULDER, Colo. -- Boulder firefighters saved the life of a cat Wednesday by using a special oxygen mask.

Firefighters said they found the cat home alone inside a burning condo at the Gold Run complex on Sundown Lane.

The cat was rescued, then resuscitated using a pet CPR mask, firefighters said. The cat was taken to the Humane Society for more treatment.

The masks were donated to the Boulder Fire Rescue Department in 2008 by two girls who sold jewelry to raise the money for the specialized animal equipment. Clara Grainger and Isabel Lippincott told 7NEWS in 2008 that they bought 15 masks. One week after the masks were donated, firefighters said they used a pet oxygen mask to revive a dog rescued from a house fire.

Damage to the condo Wednesday is estimated at $50,000. Fire Marshal David Lowrey said the fire appears to be accidental in nature.

comment from reader:

Wake up Gilpin County - The Gilpin Fire Dept refused a donation of these masks - claimed they don't' work!