Dozens of animals rescued after fire at pet store in South Los Angeles

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Firefighters rescued dozens of animals after a fire broke out early Wednesday morning at a pet store in South Los Angeles.

Flames began shortly after 1:30 a.m. at a two-story structure in the 4700 block of Broadway, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Apartments are located above businesses on the first floor.

LAFD personnel quickly extinguished the dramatic blaze, which left the pet shop filled with smoke. Several birds, turtles, lizards and hamsters were evacuated safely from the location.

"We had an electrical valve that caused us additional hazards," said Hector Hernandez, a fire department spokesman, adding that Department of Water and Power personnel were summoned to address the issue. "It definitely caused a serious concern for our firefighters because it was so close to the unit involved."

No injuries were reported. Two of the building's residents, an elderly couple, were displaced.

The animals were placed back inside the store as a cleanup operation got underway.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.