This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
West Valley City firefighters responding to an early Wednesday blaze found a menagerie, including not just cats, but numerous snakes big and small, lizards, ferrets and mice.
The couple living at the rental home, 7145 W. Kings Estate Drive (3930 South), were safely evacuated when flames and smoke began pouring from their garage and basement at 1:54 a.m.
WVCFD Battalion Chief Jeff Fox said that most of the animals also were rescued, including Burmese pythons of 10 and 12 feet in length. However, two cats and a pair of other snakes died.
The cause of the fire, which caused an estimated $80,000 in damage to garage, basement and attic of the home, was under investigation, though Fox said it appeared the blaze had begun in or near the garage.
The Utah Red Cross is providing shelter, food and clothing assistance to the humans, while Utah Reptile Rescue had offered to temporarily house the snakes and lizards, Fox said.
No injuries were reported, though a female neighbor was treated at the scene for mild smoke inhalation, he said.
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