TINLEY PARK (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - More than 100 dogs and cats were evacuated from the PAWS Tinley Park animal shelter last night when a fire broke out.
The fire in the shelter on 191st Street was confined to the laundry room. The fire department said it started in a clothes dryer.
While the fire was quickly put out, the shelter said, smoke filled the building, affecting the animals.
Firefighters, staff and volunteers worked together to get the animals out, 42 dogs and 55 cats. They were all taken in by Midwest Animal Hospital in Orland Park.
A post on the PAWS Facebook page said 14 cats and 2 dogs were showing signs of respiratory distress.
Tinley Park Fire Chief Steve Klotz said he wanted to “sincerely thank the many volunteers who worked in cooperation with firefighters to successfully rescue and transport every animal in the building to safety.”
“It was a true example of teamwork that resulted in the best possible outcome,” Klotz said.
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