Small Animals Die in Calif. Feed Store Fire

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Nov. 18--PAJARO -- More than 20 rabbits, chickens and other small animals died after an early morning fire at a feed supply store on Salinas Road.

According to the North Monterey County Fire Protection District, authorities received reports of smoke in the area around 3:50 a.m. Friday.

Fire officials investigated the area, looking for the source of the smoke and eventually discovered it was coming from the Central Coast Feed and Pet Supply at 225 Salinas Road. Two more engines were dispatched to the scene, along with fire crews from Watsonville and Aromas.

A total of 22 personnel were at the scene, and they were able to put out the blaze by 4:30 a.m., according to division chief Doug McCoun of the North Monterey County fire.

Firefighters were able to save some of the animals inside the building, including a cat, two rabbits and a chicken. Another 25-30 animals, including chickens, rabbits and pheasants, were found dead in their cages from smoke inhalation.

Damages to the structure were estimated to be about $50,000 with another $100,000 in inventory losses.

McCoun said the cause of the fire appears to have been an electrical issue.

According to the store's website -- www.centralcoastfeed.com -- Central Coast Feed Supply has been in business since 2001 and is touted as the Watsonville area's "only drive-thru feed store." The business also provides monthly dog grooming and vaccination clinics for pets as well as selling feed and

other animal supplies.