The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, located in Westbrook, reported an outpouring of support after a dryer fire forced evacuation of staff and animals Wednesday morning.
"What's been so heartwarming is how the community has reached out to us," said Lynne McGhee, community relations manager for the shelter.
The dryer fire was contained in the laundry room area, resulting mostly in smoke damage, she said.
"We were very lucky. Primarily the damage was just smoke," McGhee said, noting the fire did not cause structural damage.
The Refuge League does about 250 pounds of laundry a day, for about 100-plus animals, depending on the time of year, she estimated.
Westbrook Fire Department, police and volunteers all helped the staff deal with the 8 a.m. fire Wednesday, which occurred when staff were on the premises, and the laundry was going.
"It happened very quickly," McGhee said.
"The fire department responded so quickly it really made the difference, they were just phenomenal," McGhee said.
"All of our animals are safe," she emphasized, but noted that linens were destroyed.
"It was very smoky, which is what the concern was. We evacuated the dogs just to make sure they weren't getting smoke," McGhee said.
The shelter was asking for linens, bedding, cash donations or gift cards and pet toys.
"We lost a lot of dog toys. Squeaky toys or congs are important to the dogs," McGhee said.
Shelter staff emphasized that pillows cannot be used so those are not needed.
The shelter, built in the middle to late 1950s, is located at 449 Stroudwater St., Westbrook.
By Wednesday afternoon, the shelter had posted on Facebook: "So many people and businesses are reaching out. You have touched all our hearts."
"What's been so heartwarming is how the community has reached out to us," said Lynne McGhee, community relations manager for the shelter.
The dryer fire was contained in the laundry room area, resulting mostly in smoke damage, she said.
"We were very lucky. Primarily the damage was just smoke," McGhee said, noting the fire did not cause structural damage.
The Refuge League does about 250 pounds of laundry a day, for about 100-plus animals, depending on the time of year, she estimated.
Westbrook Fire Department, police and volunteers all helped the staff deal with the 8 a.m. fire Wednesday, which occurred when staff were on the premises, and the laundry was going.
"It happened very quickly," McGhee said.
"The fire department responded so quickly it really made the difference, they were just phenomenal," McGhee said.
"All of our animals are safe," she emphasized, but noted that linens were destroyed.
"It was very smoky, which is what the concern was. We evacuated the dogs just to make sure they weren't getting smoke," McGhee said.
The shelter was asking for linens, bedding, cash donations or gift cards and pet toys.
"We lost a lot of dog toys. Squeaky toys or congs are important to the dogs," McGhee said.
Shelter staff emphasized that pillows cannot be used so those are not needed.
The shelter, built in the middle to late 1950s, is located at 449 Stroudwater St., Westbrook.
By Wednesday afternoon, the shelter had posted on Facebook: "So many people and businesses are reaching out. You have touched all our hearts."
