VINTON, Va. – While many rang in the new year with joy and celebration, a couple in Vinton was met with a heartbreaking nightmare as they arrived home to find smoke pouring from their house. What was supposed to be a fresh start turned into devastation for Kayla Campbell and Ian Yaeger, whose home also served as a sanctuary for nearly 50 rescued cats and kittens.
“We are trying to get them; guys can you just carry the cats to my car or to my tow truck. Either one. We have crates right here,” said Campbell, urging neighbors to help rescue the animals from the smoke-filled house.
First responders arrived at the home on Foxland Avenue around 8 p.m. on Tuesday night. Firefighters had the blaze under control within 20 minutes, but the damage was already done. Roanoke County Fire Marshals office said the fire began in the bathroom and was caused by discarded smoking material.
“This is where it started, and they said you can’t live here anymore, and I just lost it,” said Yaeger, visibly shaken by the news that they could not return to their home.
The couple, who have operated Nomadic Paws Kitten Rescue, were living with 48 cats and kittens at the time of the fire. While they were able to save most of the cats, two died as a result of the fire.
“I’ve never experienced this sort of thing in my life. I’ve never had a fire that devastated my world like this… and going in there and trying to get all those babies out and then being forcibly removed was like the hardest thing to do. And I stood here shaking just waiting for every single one of my babies to come out that door,” said Ian Yaeger, assistant director of Nomadic Paws Kitten Rescue.
The couple’s rescue operation, which had been a haven for cats and kittens has been devastated by the fire. However, the outpouring of support from the community has been swift.
“It’s one of our rescue followers that showed up last night and said they are going to my basement. She didn’t really give us much of a choice; she said I’m here; this is what we are going to do to get them safe,” said Campbell, describing how a supporter helped relocate the surviving cats to a safe location.
The couple is currently in the process of securing a new home where they can continue caring for their rescued animals.
If you’d like to donate to those impacted by this fire, you can drop off supplies at 508 Stacie Dr. Vinton, VA. Items can be left in the boxes on the porch.