Tiny Chihuahuas survive Hemet house fire and need homes

More than 60 dogs, many Chihuahuas, survived a Hemet house fire and were taken to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus; the shelter is operating at about 300% over capacity.

More than 60 dogs, many of them tiny Chihuahuas, survived a house fire in eastern Hemet this week and are now in local animal custody. The fire began around 1 p.m. Thursday at a home on the 43100 block of Merriwood Drive, and officials have not announced a cause. Firefighters pulled dozens of animals from the smoke-filled house, and animal control later transported 60 surviving dogs to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus. The shelter system was already under strain before this rescue and is now facing limited space. Key facts: - At least 60 dogs survived the fire; many are reported to be Chihuahuas. - The blaze occurred around 1 p.m. Thursday at a home on the 43100 block of Merriwood Drive; the cause is unknown. - San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus received the dogs and is reported to be operating about 300% over capacity after the intake. - County officials say more than 1,000 dogs are currently in shelters across the Riverside County system. - Adoption fees have been waived through March; the waived package includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip and an engraved ID tag, and residents may walk into shelters to adopt or foster without an appointment. - Riverside County planning rules generally allow one to four dogs per property without a kennel permit or up to 25 with a special permit, and it is unclear whether a permit was in place at the home. Summary: The large rescue has added significant pressure to an already stretched county shelter system, prompting officials to waive adoption fees through March to help move animals into homes or transfers. Officials have not said whether citations will be issued regarding the number of dogs at the property. Undetermined at this time.