An animal shelter fire in Paxton, Massachusetts, claimed the lives of 40 to 50 dogs and cats on Sunday night, however a handful were rescued.
"Brooklyn Skye, Jade, and Divinci are at vet in stable condition," shelter workers wrote on Facebook,
according to The Washington Post. "Stella is in critical condition and rushed to tufts. Kitten the cat is stable."
The fire at the Sweetpea Friends of Rutland Animals shelter began just before 11 p.m.
Fire Chief Jay Conte said of the rescued animals, "We were very fortunate to save just those. The site was fully involved when we got here, so we didn't think we were going to save any of the animals."
Conte said the building was a total loss. He did not comment on how the fire started.
According to The Boston Herald, firefighters from Holden, Leicester, Spencer, Rutland, and Oakham all helped snuff out the blaze.
After the flames broke out, workers posted a message to Facebook asking volunteers and animal medics to report to the scene to help.
"Sweetpea is currently ON FIRE and we need volunteers to help MOVE animals," said one message. "This is not a drill. Please help! go to sweetpea ASAP."
Volunteers did arrive to help, and several of the rescued animals were treated for smoke inhalation.
"Tonight, sweetpea has lost almost everything," workers wrote on Facebook at the conclusion of the incident.
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