‘We loved them all’: Homeowners speak out after house fire killed several pets

CENTRAL, Utah (ABC4) — The homeowners who lost all of their pets due to a house fire on Wednesday are speaking about their loss and the community outreach.

At approximately 11:05 a.m. on Oct. 1, Dammeron Valley fire crews and wildland fire crews were dispatched to Central, a census-designated area in Washington County, due to a house fire.

While no persons were injured from the fire, multiple animals were inside the home. Initially, Dammeron Valley Fire Rescue reported that five cats and one dog died in the fire and two reptiles were unaccounted for.

The homeowners, Amy and Heather Paterson, confirmed that there were actually two dogs, five cats, two snakes, and a gecko inside the home, and that all of their beloved pets were lost in the fire.

Courtesy: The Paterson Family via GoFundMe

Jessica Paterson, Amy’s sister, said, “There was a fire that started in the kitchen. Nobody was home, all of the pets were in the kitchen.”

According to Jessica, the fire spread quickly through the attic and to the back patio, where a full propane tank exploded. The Paterson’s home was a complete loss, and they are staying with family.

In a statement, Amy and Heather Paterson said, “We are heartbroken at the loss of all our pets (2 dogs, 5 cats, 2 snakes, and a gecko). It was a zoo, and we loved them all. They were family and cannot be replaced.”

Friends and relatives of the Paterson family immediately reached out, and also started GoFundMe for the family. Jessica Paterson said the outreach for Amy and Heather has already been astounding, “They’re loved in the community and in those communities where they work and participate in activities.”

All funds raised by the GoFundMe will go to helping the Patersons rebuild their life, which could take a while. Jessica said, “I think, right now, it’s all the unknown of how things are going to go, they were told by the insurance company it would be 6-12 months if all things go well.”

Amy and Heather’s statement also read, “We are completely overwhelmed at the outpouring of support and love we have felt from our community.”

Joseph DeGloyer contributed to this report.