A structure fire at a Dallas shopping center Friday morning killed more than 500 animals, mostly small birds, authorities said.
The cause of the fire is unknown, and no injuries were reported. Officials said the animals died from smoke inhalation.
The fire occurred at Plaza Latina Bazaar, which houses a pet shop that was directly affected by the fire.
“Although the pet store was not on fire, a large amount of smoke did enter the pet store. DFR personnel attempted a search and rescue, but unfortunately all animals in the store died from smoke inhalation,” Dallas Fire said. Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans said in a statement.
Dallas Animal Services removed a total of 579 animals, including small birds, chickens, hamsters, two dogs and two cats. The business also sold exotic animals, but none were found at the scene at the time of recovery.
Three people were reportedly in the building at the time of the fire, and all were evacuated safely after being alerted by the building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system, Evans said.
The fire left significant structural damage, including part of the roof collapsing.
Plaza Latina Bazaar asked for prayers for the families working at the shopping center in a post on its Facebook account translated from Spanish.
