A devastating fire broke out Friday at the Plaza Latina shopping center in Dallas, claiming the lives of 579 animals, most of them small birds housed in a pet shop. According to Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans, the animals died from smoke inhalation as heavy smoke filled the store.
Firefighters arrived to find flames and thick smoke rising from the building. Despite their efforts to extinguish the blaze, which took about two hours, the smoke overwhelmed the pet shop. Along with the birds, the fire also claimed the lives of chickens, hamsters, two dogs, and two cats.
“While Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel searched and attempted rescues, all animals in the shop unfortunately perished due to smoke inhalation,” Evans said in a statement.
No injuries to people were reported, but the fire caused significant structural damage, including a partially collapsed roof. The Plaza Latina shopping center, known for its collection of small businesses offering Latin goods, services, and food, was left reeling from the incident.
A post on the shopping center’s Facebook page described it as a place where people come together to eat and shop. Written in Spanish, the post asked for prayers for the families affected by the tragedy.
Dallas Fire-Rescue has not yet responded to requests for further comment.
