DALLAS — A devastating fire broke out early Friday at a shopping center in Dallas, resulting in the tragic loss of over 500 animals, primarily small birds, according to local officials.
The incident occurred at Plaza Latina in Northwest Dallas, where officials reported that a total of 579 animals housed in the pet shop succumbed to smoke inhalation. Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans stated that while the flames did not physically reach the animals, the toxic smoke proved fatal.
In addition to the birds, several other pets, including chickens, hamsters, two dogs, and two cats, also lost their lives in the incident.
The fire, designated as a two-alarm blaze, required around 45 firefighters to manage and took approximately two hours to fully extinguish, with efforts concluding around 11 a.m.
Evans noted that despite the firefighters’ search and rescue attempts, all the animals in the shop were unfortunately lost due to smoke inhalation. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to any humans during the incident.
The large, single-story shopping center suffered extensive damage, including the partial collapse of its roof, as confirmed by Evans.
This complex housed various small businesses and was described on its Facebook page as a marketplace where customers could enjoy food and shop for a variety of Latin products and services. A recent post in Spanish called for prayers for the families involved in the center’s businesses.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation, Evans added.
