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Family reunites with cat after evacuating home during Deer Park pipeline fire

Cloud the cat (Amber Leal)

DEER PARK, Texas – Amber Leal was at work and noticed video of large flames on the TV. A pipeline fire was in full force in Deer Park. She noticed the cross streets on the screen were in the East Meadow neighborhood.

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“I was like wait a minute that sounds familiar and as the helicopter zooms in I was like that’s a park at my neighborhood. I go to the park every day to walk my dogs,” said Leal.

Leal quickly realized the fire was right behind her home. Her husband rushed to save their pets.

“We have three dogs and a cat and he was able to get the three dogs because they’re in kennels, but the cat he couldn’t find,” she said.

Cloud, the loving white cat with an orange tail and big yellow-green eyes was unaccounted for.

“I was really worried. We have a daughter that’s very attached to that cat. Plus, that’s our fur baby,” said Leal.

Leal returned home after work. She saw chaos. Firefighters were filling up water hoses, blocking the street and spraying water on her home as the large flames filled the sky.

“It felt like a zombie apocalypse,” said Leal.

Cloud, was still nowhere to be found.

“I looked under the bed for her. You know her usual little spots, and I called for her, but she’s one of those cats that does things on her own,” said Leal.

The family stayed in a hotel as their home remained without power. On Tuesday, Leal returned home, noticing their home with minor damage and heat from the fire. In the spare bedroom, Cloud was waiting for her.

“I’m excited. My daughter will be even more excited to have her back,” said Leal.

Leal says her family plans on staying in a hotel until they get their power restored. Energy Transfer is assisting residents in need. Citizens can also contact their help line at (855)-430-4491 or email laporteresponse@energytransfer.com.

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About the Author
Corley Peel headshot

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.

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