An estimated 100 animals perished in a devastating fire that engulfed Uncle Bill’s Pet Center on West 38th Street Monday night, leaving the northwest side pet store filled with smoke and the community in mourning.
The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) responded to a call shortly after 9 p.m. at Uncle Bill’s Pet Center, located at 4829 W 38th St. in Georgetown Plaza. Firefighters from Speedway and Pike Township joined the effort, arriving to find thick smoke billowing from the rear of the pet store.
It took approximately an hour to bring the fire under control, around 10 p.m. Battalion Chief Rita Reith of the IFD explained that limited access to the source of the fire made firefighting operations more challenging. The fire, she noted, was contained to the roof area at the back of Uncle Bill’s Pet Store.
While other businesses in the Georgetown Plaza strip mall were spared from the flames, some experienced smoke damage. Chief Reith indicated uncertainty regarding how long the fire had been burning before the alarm was triggered, but emphasized the heavy, black smoke that had filled the building. Describing the incident, Reith somberly stated, “It’s just a horrible tragedy.”
Image of firefighters responding to Uncle Bill's Pet Center fire at night
Tragically, the animals housed at Uncle Bill’s Pet Store were unable to escape the deadly smoke. “The animals were still in their respective cages and simply succumbed to the deadly gases produced by the smoke,” Reith reported. Among the victims were approximately 40 dogs, 25 parakeets, rabbits, and various other animals. However, amidst the devastation, there were survivors. Multiple reptiles, fish, a resilient guinea pig, and the store’s office cat were rescued from the pet store.
These surviving animals from Uncle Bill’s Pet Store were promptly removed from the premises and transported for medical evaluation to ensure their well-being after the harrowing ordeal.
The cause of the fire at Uncle Bill’s Pet Center remains under active investigation by the authorities. The community now mourns the loss of these innocent lives in this unforeseen tragedy at a beloved local pet store.
