A structure fire that erupted at a Dallas shopping center Friday morning killed over 500 animals, most of which were small birds, according to authorities.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and no human injuries were reported. The animals died as a result of smoke inhalation, according to authorities.
The fire occurred at the Plaza Latina Bazaar, which houses a pet shop around the structure’s rear end that was directly affected by the fire.
“While fire did not reach the pet shop, a great deal of smoke did enter. While DFR personnel did search and attempt rescue, all animals in the shop unfortunately perished due to smoke inhalation,” Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans said in a statement.
The Dallas Animal Services (DAS) removed a total of 579 animals, including small birds, chickens, hamsters, two dogs, and two cats. The business also sold exotic animals, none of which were found on site at the time of recovery.
Three people were reported to be in the building when the fire began, all of whom safely escaped after they were alerted by the building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system, Evans said.
The fire left behind severe structural damage, including a partial roof collapse to the building.
In a post translated from Spanish on the company’s Facebook account, the Plaza Latina Bazaar asked for prayers for the families who work at the shopping center.
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