13 July 2023 , 10:40
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Dozens of animals have died in a catastrophic blaze that broke out at a wildlife rescue centre this morning.
Heartbreaking reports state that all mammals in the facility have died, as well as some of the reptiles, with over 40 dead in total. It is not known if any people have been injured.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 2am today and crews got to work battling the fire at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk at Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach, Florida.
The blaze, which has since been put out, also impacted a nearby restaurant called Burger and Bites. The cause of the fire has not been determined as of yet and it is being investigated.
Sonny Flynn, the owner of the Alligator Wildlife Discovery Center said: "Most of the enclosures are wood so I’m sure it went up very quickly. It’s devastating. This is my life. I don’t have anything after this."
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An early morning fire at the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center caused significant damage (FOX13)The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center wrote on Facebook: "We suffered from a tragic fire last night. Nearly all of the animals are gone. We are devastated."
The exact number of animals lost is unknown, but the centre housed over 250 animals. Previous reports claimed that over 40 animals died in the devastating fire.
In tears, she added: "They didn't deserve this. It's just gone, and there's no way to rebuild it."
Fire officials reported a large loss of animal life, including mammals, turtles, and alligators (FOX13)Firefighters were met with heavy fire and smoke upon arrival, and, Despite their efforts, the flames broke through the roof, forcing crews to retreat.
The owner stated that all the mammals died from smoke inhalation, and while some movement was observed among the reptiles, the surviving animals remain uncertain, ABC News reported.
The centre focused on education, rescue, and conservation efforts, with a particular emphasis on discouraging the keeping of exotic pets without proper research.
Flames shot through the roof, forcing firefighters to retreat from the fire (FOX13)The fire caused an estimated million dollars in damage, and the cause is under investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Madeira Beach Fire said the fire caused significant damage and a "large loss of animal life".
Ms Flynn expressed her devastation over the fire and the loss of animal life and emphasized that 95% of the animals in the centre were pet surrenders because people didn't know how to care for them properly.
The exact number of animals lost in the fire is currently unknown (FOX13)She said: "They all have names; they all have personalities. I come in, in the mornings, and I talk to them like Doctor Dolittle.
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"Kids come in, and they get such a great feeling about knowing these animals are taken care of."
Delays in traffic were also reported as a result of the devastating blaze.
The fire ripped through the roof of the building (Twitter.com/@WFLABeth)Clint Belk, the Madeira Beach Fire Chief, said that the crews initially conducted an intense interior attack but had to retreat outside when the flames broke through the roof.
He noted that there was a significant loss of animal life, including mammals, turtles, and alligators, although the exact number was unknown at the time.
Mr Belk also expressed his sadness, particularly because the incident occurred in a close-knit community. He estimated that the fire caused approximately one million dollars worth of damage.
Additionally, he mentioned that multiple fire departments responded to the scene, and the cause of the fire would be investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office.