Authorities in Dallas say a fire that broke out at a shopping center has killed more than 500 animals, most of which were small birds

Most of the animals died of smoke inhalation, officials said. They included birds, chickens, hamsters, dogs and cats.

A fire broke out at an exotic pet store in the Latina Bazaar Shopping Center, also known as Plaza Latina, in Dallas. Firefighters heroically rescued and resuscitated puppies and other animals, creating an emotional scene that brought onlookers to tears.

A fire broke out at a shopping center in northwest Dallas on Friday morning, causing severe damage to a building that housed multiple small businesses, one of which sold exotic animals, according to fire department officials.

Dallas firefighters, accustomed to extinguishing flames, became heroes for the smallest of victims, performing CPR on a tortoise and reviving a near-death puppy.