INDIANAPOLIS – Nearly 100 animals died this week after a fire broke out at an Indianapolis pet store.
It happened late Monday night into the early morning hours Tuesday when firefighters arrived after being dispatched for an alarm to Uncle Bill’s Pet Center in Indianapolis.
While the fire was under control in about an hour, nearly 100 animals perished in the blaze due to reported smoke inhalation. Among the casualties included 40 dogs along with a variety of other animals.
“It is unclear how long the fire had been burning prior to the alarm going off, but the building was heavily charged with thick black smoke on arrival. The animals were still in their respective cages and simply succumbed to the deadly gases produced by the smoke.” Officials with the Indianapolis Fire Department wrote in a statement Tuesday.
An office cat, fish were among survivors reported.
Emergency personnel report crews had difficulty accessing the area of the fire, which was contained to the roof area in the back of the store.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
9:02 PM – An estimated 100 animals perished as a result of smoke inhalation during a fire at Uncle Bills Pet Center 4829 W 38th. Initially dispatched as an alarm, the building was heavily charged w/ thick black smoke on arrival. Cause is under investigation. Under control in 1 hr pic.twitter.com/8kl4Msfdzw
— Indianapolis Fire Department 🚒 (@IFD_NEWS) February 16, 2021
