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An overnight fire at a pet care facility in Texas killed all of the roughly 75 dogs housed there – including two that belonged to a cop who recently died of complications from COVID-19, according to a report released on Sunday.
The fire that ravaged the Ponderosa Pet Resort in Georgetown, north of Austin, was reported shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday and firefighters were on the scene in about four and a half minutes, the Georgetown Fire Chief said, John Sullivan.
But first responders were unable to save any of the poor dogs trapped inside without human supervision, Sullivan said.
“It was a quick response. Unfortunately, they encountered conditions which are our worst possible scenario and which were a strong implication of smoke and fire, ”he said at a press conference posted on YouTube by KVUE-TV.
Sullivan said he saw several of the dead dogs, some of which had not been burned and appeared to have succumbed to smoke inhalation.
He called the death toll “extremely heartbreaking” and said it was “no less tragic” because the victims were animals.
“My heart stopped when I received the address and I knew exactly where we were going because, quite frankly, I consider my personal pet to be my closest confidant, friend and one who does not judge. “, did he declare.
“My heart is breaking for people today.”
Sullivan seemed to be struggling with his emotions when he said, “That’s a big deal … I just wish I could turn back time and improve it.”
“It was unfair that I could go home last night and give my dog, Rockford, the biggest hug possible,” he said.
Several city workers had loaded their dogs at the center, Sullivan said, “So it’s also a loss that strikes so close to home for some of our employees.”
Sullivan later confirmed that two of the dogs belonged to Georgetown policewoman Michelle Gattey, 44, who died of complications from COVID-19 on Thursday, KVUE said.
Gattey, a 23-year-old Air Force veteran, joined the police department in January and was due to become its next victim services coordinator.
A police spokesperson declined to say if she had been vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to the Austin American-Statesmen.
Authorities are working with the owner of the Ponderosa Pet Resort to identify the dogs and return the remains to their owners, Sullivan said.
“We have no reason to believe that he was trying to compromise the care of any of the family members in his care,” Sullivan said.
“Frankly, it also weighs heavily on his heart. “
The Ponderosa Pet Resort website notes that there is no 24-hour staff, saying, “We believe pets sleep best at night when everything is dark, peaceful, and quiet.”
“However, we have implemented security systems and closed-circuit video surveillance systems to enhance security,” the site says.
Sullivan declined to say if there was a fire alarm or sprinklers installed in the one-story all-metal building, but said sprinklers were not needed due to his age and the way he was built. was used.
Investigators will likely determine the cause and origin of the fire within a week, Sullivan said.
Several possibilities were ruled out, he said without giving further details.
The Ponderosa Pet Resort website identifies its owner and head trainer as Philip Paris.
Neither he nor the other employees immediately responded to emails seeking comment.
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