Animals Missing After Fire Destroys Family's Home In Bailey
BAILEY, Colo. (CBS4) - A family in Bailey needs a new place to live after a fire destroyed their home.
An early morning fire on Sunday started in the chimney of Luann Pierce's home. The home is built on the side of a sanctuary for kittens with disabilities.
"The first thing I saw, before flames, was Merlin [the cat] running across the floor," Pierce said. "He doesn't have feet. So, when he runs, it is a big deal."
With the fire department more than 30 minutes away, the house was difficult to save. Pierce was able to save several cats. However, three are still missing.
Pierce said the house was covered by insurance. However, the sanctuary will need to be rebuilt.
"Specifically for the sanctuary, we have put $15,000 [into maintenance] over the past year," Pierce said. "Mainly, we just need a place to live. We still have cats, and we will make a way to take care of them."
Investigators are still looking into what caused the blaze.
The family is also accepting donations of cat food, cages, and more.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the displaced family and the animals.
Additional Information From Elk Creek Fire Rescue
Elk Creek Fire Rescue reminds all citizens to maintain a working smoke alarm in their place of residence and to have and practice a homeescape plan. Smoke alarms can provide early notification when seconds count.
Dillon Thomas is a reporter at CBS4 and a Colorado native. He believes everyone has a story, and would love to share yours! You can find more of his stories by following him on Twitter, @DillonMThomas.