Over 500 animals perish in fire at Texas shopping center

Hundreds of animals were killed Friday when a fire broke out at a Dallas shopping center. 

According to a statement from Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans, the 579 animals, which were primarily small birds, perished from inhaling smoke at a pet store located in the Plaza Latina shopping center.

The Plaza Latina shopping center in Dallas. (KDFW)

“While DFR personnel did search and attempt rescue, all animals in the shop unfortunately perished due to smoke inhalation,” Evans said.

No people were hurt in the fire. However, the fire did significant damage to the structure, including a partially collapsed roof. 

Wilmer is about 16 miles away from downtown Dallas. (Matt Nager/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Plaza Latina shopping center is home to various small enterprises and is promoted as a destination on its official Facebook page for enjoying Latin cuisine and purchasing a variety of Latin products and services.

A post on the page in Spanish asked for prayers for the families who work there.

Dallas Fire Rescue did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.