Multiple investigations continued Friday after seven dogs died in a residential structural fire that required two people to be evacuated.
The Palm Springs Police Department was notified of a blaze in the 2400 block of Starr Road at approximately 12:45 p.m. Thursday, according to a department statement released that evening. Officers were called upon to assist Palm Springs Fire Department personnel at the location.
By the time the officers arrived, a detached garage and vehicle parked within were “fully engulfed in flames,” according to the statement.
The officers ensured that a 12-year-old girl and 21-year-old man were able to evacuate the residence safely, the department announced.
After firefighters extinguished the fire, officers began a property search, finding that seven dogs had died in the fire, and seven additional dogs and four cats were found inside of the residence and taken into protective custody, according to the police.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known and was under investigation. A separate investigation from Animal Control into a potential animal cruelty incident was also launched, the PSPD stated.