Nearly 30 Dogs Die In West Chicago Kennel Fire

WEST CHICAGO, IL --- Nearly 30 dogs have perished and "many" dogs were saved after a fire broke out in a kennel in unincorporated West Chicago early Monday, officials said. The fire started around 5:30 a.m. at D and D Kennels, which is located at 2N441 County Farm Rd.

The fire was reportedly spotted by a patrol deputy, who went into the building and saved many of the dogs as fire crews rushed to the scene. The blaze closed traffic on County Farm Road north of North Avenue for hours. Officials say no people were injured in the fire.

The blaze killed 29 dogs, but the patrol deputy was able to save another 20, according to the Chicago Tribune.

According to a GoFundMe campaign started by local residents, Garrett Mercado, who owned and operated the kennels from his home, lost his own dogs and the home he lived in as a result of the fire. As of Monday evening, the campaign, organized to help Mercado "get back on his feet during this extremely difficult time," had raised more than $7,500 of its $10,000 goal.

The DuPage County Fire Investigation Task Force is currently investigating the cause of the blaze.

Residents in the area have been advised to call 911 if they see any dogs running loose in the area.

Image via GoFundMe, a Patch promotional partner