A Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson says in a statement that the 579 animals in the pet shop at Plaza Latina in Northwest Dallas died from smoke inhalation Friday morning.

Dallas Fire-Rescue said a total of 579 animals, mostly birds, died. At least a dozen others were rescued and treated in the parking lot.

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

A devastating fire at Plaza Latina shopping center in Dallas led to the deaths of 579 animals, mainly small birds, due to smoke inhalation. Dallas Fire-Rescue was unable to save the animals despite extinguishing the blaze with the efforts of 45 firefighters.

More than 500 animals were killed when a fire broke out at a northwest Dallas shopping center Jan. 3, officials said.

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

Dallas authorities are investigating what caused a fire that burned a Dallas shopping center Friday morning and killed more than 500 animals. CW39's Sharron Melton explains.