A fire broke out at a shopping center in Dallas on Friday, killing hundreds of animals.
Dallas Fire Rescue spokesman Jason Evans said in a statement that 579 animals, mostly small birds, died from smoke inhalation at the Plaza Latina Shopping Center pet store.
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Firefighters spray water on the Plaza Latina Shopping Center in Dallas, Texas, on Friday. (KDFW)
Dallas Fire Rescue said heavy smoke and flames were coming from the building by the time firefighters arrived, FOX Dallas reported.
It took about two hours to completely extinguish the fire.
The flames did not reach the animals, but the pet store was filled with smoke. In addition to the bird, a chicken, hamster, two dogs and two cats also died, Evans said.
A lost dog who lived alone in the forest for over 6 years is safely rescued.
Plaza Latina Shopping Center in Dallas. (KDFW)
“DFR personnel attempted to search and rescue the animal, but unfortunately all animals in the store died from smoke inhalation,” Evans said.
There were no injuries in this fire. However, the fire caused significant damage to the building, including partial roof collapse.
Willmar is approximately 26 miles from downtown Dallas. (Matt Nager/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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The shopping center is home to several small businesses and is described on its Facebook page as “a place where people can eat and purchase all kinds of Latin goods and services.”
A post on the Spanish-language page asked for prayers for the families working there.
Dallas Fire Rescue did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
