More than a dozen animals were saved in the fire, but their care and boarding will cost money
A Felida family dedicated to the rescue of animals is in need of some help after a fire severely damaged their home on the Fourth of July.
RexAnn Wirkkala ran back into her home and saved more than a dozen cats in her care as well as a couple of dogs on Tuesday.
Today, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to help pay for the care and boarding of her pets and also build a secure structure for the cats when they can come home. The fundraiser can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/et86h-devastating-house-fire.
Wirkkala told KGW-TV that she suspected the fire started from fireworks shot off by others in her neighborhood.
Wirkkala feeds cats and makes sure they get spayed/neutered. She is a foster pet parent, if you will, as well. She has two kittens that she has bottle raised since they were born and now are 6 weeks old.
The pets were saved by Wirkkala and firefighters, but the animals suffered from smoke inhalation and got ashes in their coats. They are at a local veterinarian receiving care.
Making this ordeal even more difficult, Wirkkala’s husband is in the hospital after undergoing a surgery.
The goal of the GoFundMe account is to raise $35,000.
Also read:
- Public Health investigating confirmed measles case in Clark County
Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed measles case after a contagious individual was present at Ridgefield High School on Jan. 14, 15 and 16. - VIDEO: Bill dubbed the ‘initiative killer’ clears WA Senate committee
A bill critics label the “initiative killer” cleared a Washington Senate committee on a party-line vote after all Republican amendments were rejected. - Opinion: IBR’s evasive, misleading and dishonest excuses for higher cost
Joe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has withheld detailed cost estimates while offering contradictory explanations for rising costs tied to the I-5 Bridge project. - Journey Theater seeks performers, crew for this summer’s Into the Woods
Journey Theater is seeking performers ages 8 and older, along with crew and production committee members, for its summer production of Into the Woods. - CCSO honors heroism and outstanding service at annual awards ceremony
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office recognized deputies, civilian employees, and community members for heroism and exceptional service during its annual awards ceremony at Clark College. - Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s bill to modernize beer warehousing laws receives a public hearing
House Bill 2207, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, received a public hearing as lawmakers considered updates to Washington’s beer warehousing laws. - Michelle Belkot announces bid for re-election to Clark County Council, District 2
Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot announced she is seeking re-election in District 2 in the November 2026 General Election.
