Three dogs, five cats, a large bird, along with reptiles and numerous tanks full of tropical fish were in Abi's Pet Store on East Ashe Street when the fire broke out around 8 p.m. Monday. Witnesses said by the time they heard the sirens from emergency vehicles, the store was already filled with smoke.
"The first ones on the scene were the Police Department," said Randy Collier, whose business is near the pet store. "They busted the glass to try to save some of the animals, but the smoke was too thick and they were not able to."
Officials believe the fire may have started near the fish tank room in the back of the store. Officials do not know how the fire got started, but they said there are no signs of foul play.
Officials said the store is a complete loss. A nearby furniture warehouse had smoke and heat damage.
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