There was a laundry room fire at the Aiken SPCA Friday night, forcing the evacuation of around 100 animals and threatens to close the shelter for some time. Luckily, no animals or humans were hurt in the blaze.

The displaced animals were moved to the city annex building and to the Aiken County animal shelter by many volunteers and officers.

The laundry room set off a fire alarm at around 7 p.m. which was picked up by public safety officers and the Aiken fire department. The swift response by the officials and fire department led to the safe exit of the animals, whose only problem may be minor smoke inhalation, but no burns. A ruptured water line above the laundry room also helped douse the flames somewhat.

It is unknown at this time what caused the small blaze.