So what happened with that whole pet store fire in Queens last week? The Daily News has some more intel, noting that firefighters cut through the closed metal rolldown gates of the shop to get to the animals, who were banging against their cages trying to escape. (Reportedly those types of metal gates will be a thing of the past starting early next year.) The store was not equipped with a sprinkler system, which is oddly not required under law. more ›

Yesterday afternoon firefighters in Queens saved 30 cats and dogs from a burning pet store in Astoria. U.S. Pet Discounts on Steinway Street was closed for the holiday, and the Daily News reports the store's metal rolldown doors were closed, presenting an obstacle for the animal's rescuers. Lt. Jerome Farrell told the paper, "We had to cut the gates, cut the locks and force our way in"... unlike what Pee Wee Herman had to do during his epic pet store fire rescue mission. more ›

Yesterday's three-alarm fire at a Bronx strip mall destroyed a number of businesses, including a pet store. According to the Daily News, over "100 frantic birds, reptiles and small animals died trapped in their cages" at Stephanie and Amanda's Pet Center. Joel Rivera, the store's manager, said of his cousin, who owns the store, "He just couldn't stay and watch what was happening." Rivera added that firefighters helped save "parrots, parakeets, rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards and other reptiles, at least two cats and a pair of guard dogs." A neighbor told NY1, "I feel sorry for all the animals because that is the first thing that God made. And you got to have mercy for them." The other ravaged businesses include a barber shop, grocery store, and a dry cleaners, where the fire began. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. more ›