A fire killed 75 dogs at a Texas pet-boarding facility this weekend.
The Ponderosa Pet Resort fire left the animals in the Georgetown facility dead after the Saturday night blaze, with smoke making rescues impossible once fire crews responded to the scene, Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan explained.
“It was a quick response. Unfortunately, they were met with conditions that are our worst possible scenario and that was heavy smoke and fire involvement,” Sullivan said, per People. “This was not occupied by any humans but nonetheless it was by 75 pets and by no indication do I want to lead anyone to believe that that is any less tragic, it is extremely heart-wrenching for us as first responders.”
Sullivan called the fire a “big deal,” explaining that the department is investigating the cause of the inferno that took the lives of many city workers’ pets. He noted most animals likely died from inhaling smoke, rather than burns.
After the deaths, community members left photos and flowers outside the facility throughout the day Sunday to pay respects to the dogs.
“My heart just dropped when I got the address and knew exactly what location we were going to because, quite frankly, I view my personal pet as my closest confidant, friend, and the one that doesn’t judge,” Sullivan said. “My heart just breaks for the people today.”
