LAFD – Broadway Pet Shop Fire With Animal Rescues

6-21-2017 –  Los Angeles Firefighters, Engine 46, Task Force 33, Battalion 13 first on scene on the 4700 block of South Broadway reported smoke showing from the first floor of a two story apartments over commercial building. Firefighters forced entry in front and stretched lines to the rear to attack visible flames in a back room. Occupants of the building safely self evacuated and smoke conditions affected several commercial occupancies in front including a pet store. L.A. Firefighters rescued several dozen stressed animals including parrots, parakeets, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, turtles and lizards. Not all the rescued birds survived the ordeal and several of the affected animals were suffering from minor smoke inhalation. The main bulk of fire was knocked down with handlines in 25 minutes. An electrical utility room at the end of the building was isolated due to high voltage arcing and smoking. DWP was notified. There were no reported injuries, smoke damage to the affected units was extensive. An elderly couple living upstairs from the fire was displaced. The cause of the acrid late night smoky blaze is under investigation. – MNR –