Pinellas County Woman Injured While Saving Cats From Burning House

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — A well-known animal rescuer is at a Tampa hospital recovering from burn injuries sustained while trying to rescue as many cats and kittens as possible from a fire at her home over the weekend.

According to ResQCats of Florida, Laura Kile, a cat foster mom in Pinellas County for Rescue Pets of Florida was severely injured early Saturday morning as she tried to rescue cats she'd been caring for as well as her own personal pets.

"Fire rescue had to pull her away as she frantically tried to save as many as possible. Her bloodied palm print can be seen on the wall next to a window she was going back into the burning house to save more," the nonprofit posted to a GoFundMe page for Kile.

The nonprofit said 12 cats were saved from the fire and more that fled the house in fear have been spotted near the house.

"Local cat trappers are in the neighborhood attempting to find cats and kittens who may have been pulled out of the burning home by Laura," it posted to the page.

Rescue Pets of Florida has created the online fundraiser to assist Kile in her recovery and help pay for the treatment cost for the cats injured in the fire.

Kile was admitted into the ICU for burns and respiratory injuries at Tampa General Hospital, the animal organization said.

As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe page has raised more than $68,000. To donate, click here.

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