Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel found 579 animals dead from smoke inhalation in a pet store while responding to a building fire at a Dallas shopping center Friday.

The fire broke out in the one-story commercial building at the Plaza Latina Bazaar at 9:15 a.m. and became a two-alarm fire requiring 40 to 45 firefighters to extinguish, according to local news site DFW Scanner.

The fire caused a partial roof collapse and a great deal of smoke that wafted to a pet shop in the rear of the building. No people were injured.

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

The dead animals were mostly small birds along with two dogs, two cats, hamsters and chickens.

Two dozen animals survived, including miniature pigs, guinea pigs and rabbits. They’re now in the custody of Dallas Animal Services, according to CBS affiliate KTVT.

“We had a regrettable situation this morning. We ask for your prayers for all the families who work here, hoping to be back strong, to give you the attention that you deserve,” the shopping center posted on Facebook as translated from Spanish by Google.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.