40 birds die, 50 injured in fire at NC animal shelter. Here’s how to help.

A fire broke out at the nonprofit Carolina Waterfowl Rescue agency in Indian Trail on Sunday, killing 40 birds. More need treatment for burns and smoke inhalation, according to the nonprofit’s Facebook page.

A spokesperson for the nonprofit told Observer news partner WBTV that 40 birds died in the fire and 50 others were “fighting for their lives.”

The rescue is best known for taking in and treating birds that have been injured in local lakes, rivers and ponds.

The fire started in a bird room connected to a barn on the facility. Union County Fire Marshal Kevin Rigoli said it was caused by an electrical issue with cords leading to the heat lamps, WBTV reported. Volunteers noticed smoke around 6:30 p.m. “We opened every door we could get to and just started pushing birds out the door,” volunteer Troy Tomlinson said.

“Thankfully, our closing crew was still there so we were able to save some lives,” the agency said in a Facebook post. “We are in shock and grieving the loss of our animals right now.”

Agency officials are seeking donations to cover repairs and the cost of treating the injured birds. Donations can be made through Paypal.me/waterfowlrescue or donations@cwrescue.org.

“It is tough because we lost a few animals that we consider family,” Tomlinson said.

This story was originally published November 20, 2017 at 7:01 AM with the headline "40 birds die, 50 injured in fire at NC animal shelter. Here’s how to help.."