Orange County

‘Living nightmare’: 17 cats killed in massive fire at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

By Christy Turner, WFTV.com
By Christy Turner, WFTV.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — A massive fire ripped through the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando on Wednesday night, killing 17 cats.

Just before 10:30 p.m., officers inside Orange County Animal Services, which is next door to the building, smelled smoke and saw the flames ripping through the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando on Conroy Road.

PHOTOS: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando fire

Half the building was on fire.

>>> HELP THE PET ALLIANCE HERE<<<

See video of the damage below:

Skywitness 9 shows damage of overnight fire at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando Seventeen cats were killed in a fire at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando location on Conroy Road late Wednesday, officials said. (WFTV)

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Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando fire Dozens of dogs were safe and dozens of cats are feared dead after a fire at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando on Conroy Road. (wftv.com)

Officials said the fire likely started in the front clinic, which was set to close in a few days because the veterinarian is moving across the country.

Officials said 25 dogs were inside the shelter at the time, and all got out safe, and 24 cats were also rescued.

They said the dogs were housed farthest away from where the fire first started, which made it easier for rescuers to reach them.

READ: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando fire: All dogs safe; dozens of cats feared dead

Pet Alliance Executive Director Steve Bardy said this is his worst nightmare.

“This just, this is horrible. This to anybody that works in animal welfare, this scene right here is just your living nightmare,” Bardy said.

The surviving pets will be moved to the Sanford location.

Bardy said there were many rescues from Hurricane Ida in the building at the time of the fire.

READ: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando to close Orlando clinic this month

About 50% of the Pet Alliance’s animals are in foster care, Bardy said.

If you would like to donate to the Pet Alliance, click here.

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