Fatal Shelter Fire ~ Sanford, FL

Fatal Shelter Fire Blamed On Electrical Problem

32 Cats, 7 Dogs Killed In Fire



POSTED: 6:33 am EST February 8, 2007
UPDATED: 5:29 pm EST February 8, 2007


SANFORD, Fla. -- Nearly 40 animals were killed when fire ripped through an animal shelter in Seminole County early Thursday morning.

It happened at the Seminole County Animal Shelter in Sanford, WESH 2 News reported.

The blaze ignited in a back section of the shelter where new arrivals and sick animals were housed. Fire officials said 32 cats and seven dogs died of smoke inhalation.

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A total of 273 animals were saved from the fire, officials said.

Firefighters were first called to the shelter just before 9 p.m. Wednesday on a report of a smoking dryer. They ordered shelter officials to disconnect the machine.

They also checked the walls for heat with thermal imaging device and determined that it was safe to leave. But sometime early Thursday morning, flames sparked inside the walls in the building where strays were kept.

Late Thursday, investigators ruled that an electrical problem was to blame for the fire.

"We all feel it really hard inside," veterinary technician Denise Sims said. "But we're going to count our blessings ... and take the next day as it comes."

Puppies, cats and a pot-bellied pig were among the animals rescued from the fire. Rescuers used oxygen masks to help the animals caught in the fire.

One injured dog was caught and brought in for treatment after he briefly escaped a firefighter's grip.

The fire broke out at about 2 a.m., and despite a quick response from firefighters, the wooden structure that housed the animals was destroyed.

"We still have plenty of animals here that are looking for healthy homes. We still have some animals that are sitting here in stray that are waiting for their owners to come look for them," Sims said.

The shelter will be closed on Thursday for cleanup, but a shelter representative said they could be open as soon as Friday to resume adoptions.

Earlier, Animal Services requested concerned citizens to donate supplies, but late Thursday afternoon, officials said they had received enough donations.

Damage is estimated at more than $1 million, Seminole County said.

The shelter is still accepting cash donations. Interested donors can mail a check to:


Seminole County Animal Services
232 Bush Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773



Shelters officials said one of the best ways people can help is to adopt a pet when the shelter reopens.

http://www.wesh.com/news/10961022/detail.html

 

At least most made it out. RIP to all the ones who did not.

 

That is terrible. I use to volunteer there working with the apbt and mixes a long time ago when I was going to college down there. They were a great shelter and didn't discriminate (at least not when I was there.)

Glad to hear that most of them made it out.