East Texas Fire Kills More Than 200 Exotic Birds

An apparent electrical fire at an East Texas man’s animal sanctuary has killed more than 200 exotic birds.

Kilgore Fire Marshal Brandon Bigos says investigators believe problems with misuse of an extension cord caused the weekend blaze.

Owner Tommy Hayes said Monday that he’s devastated about the fire. Hayes says he raises the birds to protect them but occasionally sells some of the creatures to offset the $2,800 monthly cost for sanctuary food.

Hayes and his family members were at home next door to the sanctuary when the fire broke out Sunday afternoon. They managed to save some animals.

Investigators say Hayes had about $25,000 worth of birds and other creatures at the site in Kilgore, about 115 miles southeast of Dallas.