LONG BEACH — A devastating fire tore through a Long Beach apartment Sunday morning, killing 32 cats and one dog that were being sheltered for adoption.
The blaze broke out around 7:15 a.m. at the Lindenwood Apartment Complex on the 3500 block of Linden Avenue, according to the Long Beach Fire Department. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke pouring from a third-floor unit. Crews quickly contained the flames and prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring apartments.
While no residents were injured, the unit where the fire started suffered major damage, displacing one person. Capt. Jack Crabtree of the LBFD said Red Cross assistance was not required.
Authorities reported that the tenant had been temporarily housing dozens of animals through an organization, and the pets were waiting to be adopted. Long Beach Animal Care said it will be providing support to the resident in the aftermath of the tragedy.
A neighbor described being “in shock,” noting that residents had previously been advised against keeping animals in the building.
Fire investigators remained at the scene Sunday to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.