Dozens of rescue cats die in Wilson County fire

More than 30 rescue cats were killed in a house fire in Wilson County on Wednesday, according to the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department. 

Chief Phil Batts tells WRAL firefighters responded to a house at 5722 NC-58 before 7 p.m.

The house belonged to Alice Pierce, who operates Purrfect Hearts Cat Rescue out of the home.

The house is considered a total loss, and as many as 30 cats are believed to have died in the fire.

Pierce was injured and transported to the hospital. An online fundraiser for Pierce says she suffered burns on 15% of her body while trying to rescue the cats from the flames. 

"I would've done the same thing. I would've tried to get in the house to save the cats. I wouldn't have thought about myself," said Allison Schaefer, who runs her own cat rescue and works with Pierce.

"This is my biggest fear. As somebody who also fosters and who's in animal welfare. I cannot imagine what went through her mind."

Schaefer says Purrfect Hearts is known as one of the few local rescues that coordinate neuter services for rescue cats.

Now, there are a growing number of social media posts asking for help and anticipating a gap in care. 

"This is going to be a huge loss for Wilson itself," Schaefer said. "Losing one, not only high-volume foster, but important rescue, especially when there's not a lot of things in general for that, the shelters are going to be flooded."

Several rescues and pet stores are accepting donations of canned cat food, blankets and towels for Purrfect Hearts.

"We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, donations, support, and prayers during this difficult time," the rescue said in a social media post.

Fire crews remained on scene until approximately 3 a.m. Thursday.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the fire.