A Michigan boarding kennel fire has left at least 30 dogs dead and dozens of pet owners completely devastated in wake of the tragedy.
The fire broke out at Storm’s Ahead Kennels in Fruitport Township early Friday morning, but by the time fire crews arrived at the scene, the flames had completely ravaged the dog kennels, Fox News reported.
The kennel owners live on the 10-acre property, which serves as a full-time dog boarding and training facility, and noticed the fire when one of the occupants got up to use the restroom.
Brian Michelli, public safety director for Fruitport Township, said the fire had already been burning for hours before the owners woke up.
“When we pulled in, the structure was fully engulfed and there was a partial collapse,” he said, according to MLive.com, adding that there was "no ability to do a rescue.”
Kennel owners Janet Rehfus and Michael Weiden announced the news on Facebook via a combined statement.
“Boarder dogs along with our own personal dogs in the kennel at the time lost their lives in the fire,” the post read. “We are devastated at the impact that this loss of lives is having on clients, friends, and family. We are notifying each of the families individually. Our prayers are with you all.”
The fire broke out as schools in the area closed for spring break and the kennel owners were forced to contact families who were already on vacation.
One anonymous owner who lost her dog in the fire told Fox News she was on the road heading for her spring break vacation when the distressing call came through that her puppy, Harley, had died.
“She was 11 months old yesterday,” the woman said. “She was just dropped off last night at 7 o’clock.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, The Associated Press reported.
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