5 Dogs Perish In RV Fire At AKC Show At Florida State Fairgrounds

TAMPA, FL — Five dogs were killed Tuesday when a fire broke out in a recreational vehicle at the American Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Firefighters were called after bystanders saw smoke pouring out of the vents of the RV parking in a lot at the fairgrounds owned by handler Rick Justice. By the time firefighters arrived at 2:45 p.m., half of the RV was engulfed in flames, said fire officials.

"The fire spread rapidly preventing anyone from getting into the vehicle and the dogs within it perished due to smoke inhalation," according to the Canine Chronicle. "Events like this that are beyond anyone’s control are the greatest fears we face when traveling to dog shows week-in and week-out. Our hearts are with the Justice family, and their clients, owners and breeders of the dogs lost in this accident."

Fire investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the handlers to get home and to help them purchase a new recreational vehicle. As of Friday morning, $48,495 had been raised.

Sympathies are pouring in for the Justice family and owners who lost their boxers — Shimmer, Iris, Zehnna, Rabbie and JJ — in the fire.

"I wanted to express my appreciation for all the kind words of support and the love that has come from friends and the dog show community during this time of incomprehensible loss," said Beth Henderson Downey. "I was Iris’ co-breeder with Bridget Johnson Brown but Iris was Bridget’s baby and my heart breaks even more for her. We had special plans for Iris that would have continued her lines and kept mine alive as well. Now those dreams have been torn away in an eight-minute tragedy and, far worse, Iris and the other four dogs who perished will never be home."