Ridgefield Family Loses Home in Fire: How to Help

Preston and Angie Pearson and their six kids all got out safe. Their home, their belongings, and their puppy didn't. Two verified fundraisers are open, and the next few days matter.

Late Friday night, one of the Pearson girls noticed a burning smell coming from the back of the house and went to get her dad. By the time Preston Pearson had a garden hose in his hands, it was already too late for a hose. He told KGW the fire went from smoke to fully involved in about half a minute.

Everyone ran. Then, outside, Angie couldn't find one of their daughters. Preston went back in and up the stairs while windows shattered and things in the backyard exploded. The bedroom was empty. She'd already made it out. Every single kid had.

Their dog didn't. Mila, the family's 8-month-old golden labradoodle, was found later hiding under a bed. Anyone who has ever had an 8-month-old doodle knows exactly what kind of dog that was: all legs, all energy, all love. That one is going to sit heavy on those kids for a long time.

What the family lost

Preston, Angie, and their kids (five girls and a boy, ages 8 to 16) had rented the house for four years. The fire tore through it back to front: kitchen, dining area, bathrooms, laundry, bedrooms. Aside from a handful of things they pulled from the wreckage and whatever was in the garage, it's gone.

The family also told KGW they'd recently dropped renters insurance from their policy. Before anybody in the comments section warms up their keyboard: they know. Nobody needs a lecture this week. What they need is a place to live and a lot of socks.

Where things stand right now

The Red Cross stepped in and got the family into a hotel, but those vouchers only cover a few more days. After that, a family of eight needs somewhere to go, in a rental market that isn't exactly overflowing with five-bedroom options.

And think about the day-to-day math here. Six kids. Six sets of school clothes, shoes, backpacks, toothbrushes, chargers, jackets for a Ridgefield October that is about to start doing what Ridgefield Octobers do. That's a lot to replace all at once, with nothing to start from.

The good news: this town is already moving. Across two verified GoFundMe fundraisers, neighbors have raised more than $5,000 so far. Family friend Cody Wright, who organized one of them, put it plainly: losing everything you own “can feel defeating.” Let's make sure it doesn't stay that way.

This is what Ridgefield does

We say it a lot around here because it keeps being true: this town shows up. We've watched it happen for strangers and for neighbors, for big things and small ones. The Pearsons are our neighbors, and their kids are in our schools, on our teams, and in line at the same coffee shops as yours.

Angie told KGW that words couldn't describe how grateful she is for the people already helping. Let's give her a few more people to be grateful for.

Quick answers

Which fundraiser should I give to?

Either. Both have been verified by the family's representative, and both go to the Pearsons. Pick one and don't overthink it.

Was anyone hurt?

All eight family members got out safely. The family's puppy, Mila, died in the fire.

Is the Red Cross still helping?

The Red Cross set the family up in a hotel, but those vouchers are short-term and run out within days. That's why housing leads are the priority.

Can I donate clothes or furniture?

Not quite yet. We'll post a specific needs list with sizes once the family is ready for it, so your donation actually gets used.