2 Animals Killed In East Hollywood Pet Shop Fire

LOS ANGELES, CA — Two animals died Wednesday night in a pet shop fire in East Hollywood. More than a dozen others were injured before Los Angeles Fire Department crews could put out the blaze.

Firefighters rescued 14 animals — nine dogs and five cats — that suffered various levels of distress from the "smoke-charged" premises at a strip mall at 812 N. Virgil Avenue, said LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey.

The fire at Pet Joy was reported just before 6:20 p.m near Los Angeles City College, according to Humphrey.

It took 38 firefighters less than a half-hour to rescue the pets and douse the blaze.

Two cats died at the scene, while the remaining animals were treated for smoke inhalation before they were taken into the custody of the Los Angeles Animal Services, Humphrey said.

No other injuries were reported in the fire.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.