A structure fire that broke out at a Dallas shopping center Friday morning killed more than 500 animals, most of which were small birds, according to authorities.
The cause of the fire is unknown and no human injuries were reported. The animals died from smoke inhalation, according to authorities.
The fire occurred in the Plaza Latina Bazaar, which houses a pet store that was directly affected by the fire.
“While the fire did not reach the pet store, a large amount of smoke did enter. While DFR personnel searched and attempted to rescue, unfortunately all of the animals in the store died due to smoke inhalation,” Dallas Fire-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, none of which were found at the scene at the time of the recovery.
Three people were reported to be in the building when the fire started, all of whom escaped safely after they were alerted by the building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system, Evans said.
The fire left extensive structural damage, including a partial collapse of the roof.
In a post translated from Spanish on the company’s Facebook account, Bazar Plaza Latina asked for prayers for the families who work at the mall.
