On September 15, 2021, a horrific late-night fire struck the nonprofit Pet Alliance of Orlando. Established in 1937 as the Orlando Humane Society, the organisation is the oldest and largest animal protection organisation in Central Florida.
A fire that originated in the clinic section quickly spread across the 5,000 square foot structure, reaching heights of 30 feet. Then, a roof caved in, making it difficult to enter the labyrinthine structure.
Notably, there was a staffing shortfall and the clinic was slated to close the following Friday.
Unbelievably, Orange County Fire Rescue managed to save all 26 canines and 45 cats from the structure. Since the dogs were in an area that the fire hadn’t yet reached, getting them out was simpler.
Amazingly, rescuers miraculously found three more cats hiding in the rubble the morning following the fire.
However, the entire structure was destroyed, and 23 cats perished. Fortunately, when the fire broke out, half of the Pet Alliance animals were in foster care, and nobody was at work.
