Aid sought for Kalispell woman's animals after she's burned

A Kalispell woman was severely burned in a fire last week, and a Missoula nonprofit and neighbors have stepped up to the plate to help make sure that her animals are taken care of during her recovery.

According to West Valley Fire Chief Russ Sappington, responders fielded a call from Wendt Way at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday about a woman who was burned after pouring gasoline on a small burn pile.

The victim, Laurie Beckstrom, was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to Animeals No Kill Adoption Center Founder Karyn Moltzen. Flathead Valley residents reached out to Moltzen’s Missoula nonprofit organization to help Beckstrom, who is known for her success as a dog sledder. In particular, friends wanted assistance with the nine horses and donkeys that live on Beckstrom’s property.

Moltzen was able to find someone willing to deliver hay for the animals, but she needs financial contributions to help pay for the 17 tons needed to care for the animals in the next five months. Moltzen said she was told that Beckstrom would likely face three months of treatment in Seattle, but that it could take longer to recover.

“She is very badly burned,” Moltzen said. “She’s probably not looking at just three months. It is going to be through the season. This is going to be a very long process.”

The horses are not in a pasture where grazing is possible, so the equines require care, which neighbors and volunteers have agreed to provide.

“We have to throw hay for the duration,” Moltzen said.

Moltzen is collecting online donations through a PayPal link at www.facebook.com/animeals. Donations can also be mailed to 1700 Rankin Street, Missoula, MT 59808.

An update on Beckstrom’s condition was not available Saturday.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.