A faulty dryer was identified as the cause of a fire at an animal rescue facility in suburban Chicago that displaced more than 100 animals, including 55 cats and 42 dogs. The fire that began in the PAWS Tinley Park’s laundry room caused an “incredible” amount of smoke.
The Tinley Park Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire quickly. The animals at the facility, thanks to quick thinking from volunteers, were rushed to Midwest Animal Hospital where many were treated for smoke inhalation, according to NBC5 Chicago.
According to ABC7 Chicago, the dryer that started the fire is an industrial-sized dryer but the fire was contained within the facility’s laundry room. The facility has smoke damage but is otherwise mostly fine outside the laundry room. PAWS is examining the facility to determine how soon its resident animals can move back into the facility, but it may be just a few days.
Meanwhile, the dogs and cats who were displaced are being housed at the animal hospital. All animals at the shelter are accounted for and have been examined and treated. Fourteen cats and two dogs are still showing signs of respiratory distress, according to WGN.
The shelter is asking for donations for medical treatment for the animals, and a new dryer for the facility.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
