Berkeley’s city-run animal shelter near Aquatic Park is closed Sunday after a fire broke out overnight.
The fire burned through a heap of dog beds, blankets, food bags, leashes and other donated pet supplies collected under a central stairway. The building’s sprinkler system put out the blaze but left water damage in the lobby. The smell of smoke, which had blackened the walls and ceiling, was still pungent as of 10:30 a.m.
“The heavy fire doors prevented most of the smoke from entering the animal holding areas,” Kris Swanson of Berkeley Animal Care Services wrote in an email to volunteers sent at 1:50 a.m. Sunday. “We checked on all animals and they seem fine. We will continue to monitor them closely.”…