A terrible fire in Montgomery County has devastated a well-known animal rescue group. The fire destroyed a barn at the House of Wiggle Goats animal refuge, killing dozens of animals and leaving many more missing. People in the area were shocked by what happened just after 3 a.m. on May 28. Many are now supporting the family-run group during this difficult time.
For almost eight years, the Lansdale-based House of Wiggle Goats has been a safe place for saved goats, sheep, chickens, and other farm animals. The refuge, which is run by Erin and her family, is known for giving animals in need a safe place to stay. However, the terrible fire could end this mission, leaving the Wiggle family to deal with the effects of what happened.
A person driving on the nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike was the first person to notice the fire. It quickly spread through the barn and engulfed it in flames. The driver called 911 right away, and aid workers quickly arrived at the scene. Because they moved quickly, the fire was put out in three hours, but the damage had already been done.
“The barn is gone.” All that’s left is a pile of rubble and the shell of what used to be our home for these animals, Erin Wiggle said, clearly scared but determined. “We lost a lot of pets.” At least 40 people haven’t been found, and many more died when the roof caved in during the fire.
A lot of animals that were abandoned or in danger of being put down have found safety at the refuge. These animals have been cared for by the Wiggle family for a very long time, giving them love, housing, and a second chance at life. It’s heartbreaking for the family to have to remember the animals they couldn’t save while also trying to figure out how to start over.
As the family grieves the deaths of many of their beloved animals, they also find it hard to accept how badly their refuge has been damaged. “It’s really hard for us to describe how painful this is.” Erin said with a heavy heart, “We’ve given our lives to these animals, and to see this happen is just unimaginable.”
Many of the animals have not been seen or found since the fire, but some have managed to get away and run to nearby areas. The refuge has put out a call for anyone who may have seen something or found any of the animals. The local police have been helping with the search, but the barn has been badly damaged, making it hard to find the animals that went missing.
The reason of the fire is still being looked into. There are no signs of foul play at this time, but the family is hoping that the fire department’s investigation will help them figure out what happened.
Even though Erin and her family have lost a loved one, the abundance of support from the community is helping them feel better. A lot of people in the area have already started giving the refuge money and time to help it get back on its feet after the fire. The community has also helped the Wiggles, and they have also started a GoFundMe effort to raise money to rebuild the barn and keep doing their rescue work.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received,” Erin told me. That was a lot to handle, but it also showed me how important this refuge is to a lot of people. “We can’t give up now.”
The Wiggle family is determined to keep their goal alive even though it will be hard to rebuild both their barn and their hearts. “This terrible event won’t stop us.” Erin was adamant: “We will rebuild, no matter how long it takes. These animals depend on us.”
People at the House of Wiggle Goats need your help to pay for redoing their barn and taking care of their animals. Friends and family who want to help can go to their GoFundMe page or call the sanctuary immediately.
Even after this terrible event, the House of Wiggle Goats is still a symbol of how dedicated people are who help animals in need. With the community’s help, the Wiggle family hopes to rise from the ashes and keep doing their important job.
Visit their GoFundMe page to learn more about how to help or to give money.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
