More than 20 pet birds killed in barbershop fire in Valley Stream
VALLEY STREAM, Long Island (WABC) -- More than 20 pet birds and other animals were killed in a fire that broke out at a barbershop in Valley Stream on Tuesday evening.
According to detectives, officers responded to Ben & Tony's Barbershop on West Merrick Road around 9 p.m. for reports of a fire. When they arrived, heavy smoke and flames were coming from the building.
The owner of the building lost his business and some 20 birds he had raised.
The barbershop had been around for 77 years and was one of the first in Valley Stream.
Fire officials also said there was a fish tank and possible turtles that died in the fire.
"Unfortunately while we were doing our searches, we came across animals in the first floor and the basement which unfortunately did not make it," said Valley Stream Fire Dept. Chief Anthony Capone.
The owner spoke about the heartbreaking loss.
"I rushed to the shop as fast as I could to save at least the birds," he said. "It's sad to see the animals being helpless."
He said he has kept the birds as pets in his shop for several years, including two 5-month-old Quakers and 18 parakeets.
Gabriela Parish, who owns a hair salon two doors down, said she also lost her shop in a fire at the same strip mall 10 years ago.
"I feel bad, I feel very bad, I went through with that and what can you do," Parish said.
A neighboring restaurant which was planning to open its doors and popular shoe repair shop were forced to close due to heavy smoke damage.
No injuries were reported and the fire was deemed non-suspicious.
The cause was determined to be electrical.
The owner said he hopes to rebuild his store.
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