Culver City Observer -

Seventeen cats were killed last Saturday after a massive fire raced through a Venice Boulevard strip mall on the outskirts of Culver City that included an overnight boarding facility for pets.

The fire in the 9000 block of Venice Boulevard in Palm was reported around 5:45 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to find Cat Place LA and multiple other businesses in the strip mall engulfed in flames, said LAFD.

Mike Penning

Pet owners were left devastated when a local strip mall fire destroyed five businesses including a pet boarding facility.

Although thick smoke charred the majority of the large building that featured a common attic, the bulk of fire damage was limited to five businesses, including a nail salon, smoke shop, martial arts studio, staffing agency, and the pet boarding facility, the LAFD said.

"One firefighter took ill during the intense firefight, and has been taken to an area hospital in fair condition for observation," LAFD said. Two cats also received medical care after being rescued.

LAFD said collateral smoke, heat and water damage affected an adjacent jewelry store and a restaurant and added none of the involved businesses were equipped with optional fire sprinklers.

Firefighters had the blaze extinguished within 73 minutes of their arrival. LAFD said there were no civilian injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.