110 Dogs & Cats Die in Shelter Fire

More than 100 dogs and cats died early Sunday morning in Killeen when a fire erupted at a no-kill shelter.

The fire started just after midnight at the The Second Chance Animal Shelter in the 5500 block of Clear Creek Road. Fire officials said the blaze originated in a staff kitchen area. The smoke from the fire spread into the vents and into several neighboring rooms where cats and dogs were locked up in crates.

"We're trying to take all of this in," said shelter volunteer coordinator George Grammas. "The sheer tragedy of all the deaths of those poor animals was overwhelming for everyone."

About 110 cats and dogs died of smoke inhalation. Dozens of others that were crated outside were not harmed.

"You started to see animals lying on the ground that had passed away from carbon monoxide and smoke inhalation," said volunteer Jack Greenwell whose girlfriend works at the shelter.

Greenwell was busy Sunday clearing out the debris left from the fire. His girlfriend was part of a team helping to collect donations and caring for several animals that survived the smoke.

"It was total disbelief and shock, and I just couldn't quite believe it," said shelter manager Ginger Smith-Holmes.

Smith-Holmes has worked at the shelter for more than a decade. She knew all of the animals by name and said she had a close bond with Socks, a feisty cat that lived in her office. Socks was found dead in the rubble. She said she hopes all the animals didn't suffer.

"They laid down and went to sleep and that's what happened, because if I think of anything else...I can't cope."

Heavyhearted, Smith-Holmes says now she has to care for those that also lost their friends. Sunday morning, dozens of volunteers helped collect dog and cat food, and other pet supplies from the community. The volunteers also helped clean cages, wipe down floors and walls, and throw out loads of debris.

"I'm busy working out here, so it really hasn't sunk in yet. At some point it will and we just have to work through it and get ready to re-open our doors," said Grammas as he teared up.

There were a handful of animals that had to be euthanized because of intense smoke inhalation. The shelter still in need donations like pet food, money and cleaning supplies. No date has been set for the shelter's reopening.

If you would like to contribute to the animal shelter, contact Second Chances .