PALM SPRINGS, CA — Seven dogs died in a house fire in Palm Springs on Thursday that forced the evacuation of two people, seven other dogs and four cats, authorities said.
The cause of the fire was still unknown Friday and under investigation by the Palm Springs Police Department and a potential animal cruelty incident by Animal Control, police said.
Officers and the Palm Springs Fire Department arrived at the 2400 block of Starr Road at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, where they found a detached garage and vehicle parked in a carport fully engulfed in flames, the police department said.
Two people — a 21-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl —were evacuated from the home safely, police said.
After the fire department extinguished the fire, police searched the property, where they found that seven dogs had died in the fire. The rescued animals were taken into protective custody, the department said.
“The loss of these beloved animals is truly heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident, and we recognize the deep bond between people and their pets,” police wrote Friday on Facebook. “PSPD and PSFD remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community, both human and animal.”
