Nearly a hundred pets narrowly escaped tragedy when a fire erupted at a Tinley Park animal shelter, thanks to quick action by firefighters and volunteers. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at PAWS Tinley Park, located at 8301 W. 191st St., where 55 dogs and 42 cats were saved from encroaching flames that began in the laundry room and left the building choked with smoke.
The rescue operation saw the animals transported to safety at Midwest Animal Hospital, where treatments continued into the late hours, the Tinley Park public safety department acknowledged the severity of the situation, smoke inhalation caused 14 cats and two dogs to show signs of respiratory distress, adding urgency to the response. WLS reported that no injuries to humans were reported and the shelter communicated gratitude for the overwhelming support, "We are so grateful to Midwest Animal Hospital (it’s nearly midnight and their staff is still there caring for our animals), the Tinley Park Fire department, our volunteers and community who rushed out in our time of need," PAWS posted on Facebook.
The aftermath of the incident has spurred a successful fundraiser to aid in covering the costs of veterinary care, a new dryer, and repairs, with the Sun-Times detailing that over $6,000 had been raised by Thursday morning through a Facebook fundraiser campaign. The shelter has announced it will be closed until further notice to manage the damages and ensure the safety of its premises before reopening its doors to the community and its four-legged residents.
Applauding the communal and professional effort, Tinley Park Fire Chief Steve Klotz shared his appreciation, telling the Sun-Times, "I would like to sincerely thank the many volunteers who worked in cooperation with our firefighters to successfully rescue and transport every animal in the building to safety,” continuing by saying “It was a true example of teamwork,” and expressing his gratefulness toward Midwest's veterinarians who aided in the efforts; this collective spirit, buoyed by the quick response, spared the shelter's furry occupants from what could have been a devastating fate.
