(USA Today) LONGVIEW, Texas — A late-night fire at an animal hospital killed 38 pets, authorities said Wednesday.
The cause of the fire, reported just before 10:30 p.m. CT Tuesday, appeared to be electrical components in the office of Kimbrough Animal Hospital, city Fire Marshall Johnny Zackary said.
The building was built in 1980 but recently remodeled, according to the animal hospital's website. The veterinary practice had an open house this past weekend to celebrate.
The fire investigation is ongoing, Zackary said. It was not immediately known whether the facility had a fire detection or sprinkler system.
"We're sure you have all heard of our unfortunate tragedy," Dr. Kenneth Kimbrough, veterinarian and owner of the animal hospital, wrote on the animal hospital's Facebookpage. "We are currently trying to get in touch with who we can. We appreciate the support and prayers."
The building was gutted, and veterinary records were destroyed. More than 250 people had offered their condolences on Facebook to Kimbrough, staff and the owners of the animals by midday Wednesday.
"It's just devastating. He is so gentle and kind. Any of his clients would want to help in any way they can," Robin Maley, who often boards her two dogs with Kimbrough, told the Longview News-Journal. "The thought of the owners hearing this news is just devastating. ... I can't imagine him having to call those families.
Eight dogs were rescued before crews had to pull out of the building because of a collapsing roof, Zackary said. Only two survived and were taken to another veterinary hospital for treatment; 32 other animals inside the building also died.
One of Kimbrough's clients, Jolene Hayes Ray of Longview, created a GoFundMe page to raise money and donated $100.
"Those of us who know and love Dr. Kimbrough and his staff want so badly to help but are not sure how," she wrote on the site. "Hopefully, in the near future, there will be many opportunities."
Longview, a city of almost 82,000 residents, is about 60 miles west of Shreveport, La.; and 125 miles east of Dallas.
Most, if not all, of the fatalities in the fire were dogs and cats; the animal hospital offered boarding and grooming in addition to emergency care. No human injuries were reported.
