Building considered total loss after farmhouse catches fire at pet rescue in O'Fallon

Dec. 29--O'FALLON -- A farmhouse at a pet rescue ranch in O'Fallon is likely a total loss after an exterior light caught fire and burned most of the building Saturday night.

The O'Fallon Fire Department was called to a report of a fire at Randy's Rescue Ranch at 1400 E. Highway 50 at 10:50 p.m., said O'Fallon Fire Chief Bradley White.

According to Randy Grim, the owner of Randy's Rescue Ranch, a passerby driving down the road noticed sparks coming from the building.

When crews arrived, they saw that the top floor of the 2-story Katy Favre Assisted Living and Hospice Farmhouse for Dogs building was on fire and that the roof and attic space were caving in, White said.

"There was tons of smoke and flames everywhere," said Jackie Pizzo, a member of the dog staff at the ranch. "It was nonstop. Every time they would put one part of the fire out, another would start."

Five dogs were rescued from the building as firefighters battled the blaze, but two cats that were in the attic perished, said Ashley Holbrook, an administrative staff member at the ranch.

The farmhouse was more than 100 years old, White said, and had three layers of ceiling, creating a challenge for firefighters. Crews worked on the building until 3 a.m., when the fire was finally put out.

"We are so grateful to the crews who came out here last night," said Pizzo on Sunday. "They went above and beyond."

According to White, the first floor of the building was only water damaged, but he speculates the building will be considered a total loss because of how bad the second floor burned. Some supplies on the first floor could be salvageable, he said.

No people were injured in the fire. The dogs that live in the home were relocated to either Grim's home, another home on the property or the ranch's welcome center. Pigs that live in a house behind the farmhouse that burned down have been relocated to horse stalls.

Help needed

On Facebook, Randy's Rescue Ranch said it was "heartbroken and completely devastated."

"Tragic news, the farmhouse... is on fire and totaled," the post stated. "Please thoughts and prayers."

The ranch sits on two power grids and one of the grids had completely lost power Sunday, Pizzo said. On that grid sit several houses and horse stalls, with multiple horses, multiple pigs, eight dogs and Grim, who lives there and is recovering from surgery.

With the power out, the ranch is in immediate need of an electrician, Pizzo and Holbrook said Sunday. Though the pet rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and may be able to get discounted prices on services, they will still cost money the ranch was not expecting to spend.

Another necessity is getting dog food for the older and disabled dogs that are on strict diets. Pizzo said the rescue needs Blue Buffalo chicken flavor dog food, both dry and canned, to feed the dogs. Other necessary supplies that were in the house are canned fruits and vegetables that are used to feed the pigs.

The house was essentially a home that could be lived in, Holbrook said. Until the staff is given the clear to start pulling supplies from the farmhouse, is unknown if the couches, kitchen table, Christmas tree, artwork and books inside survived. There was even a bed on the top floor.

"Now, the roof is basically on the floor," Holbrook said.

A Facebook campaign had already raised more than $7,000 to donate to the pet rescue by Sunday morning.

After insurance agents assess the damage Monday, the ranch can start accepting help from volunteers. It was unclear on Sunday what kind of help will be needed, but those wishing to help can reach out via the ranch's website or social media.

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