Firefighters rescue more than 15 exotic pets from fire in Bristol Twp., Bucks Co.

BRISTOL TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Volunteer firefighters who responded to a house fire in Bristol Twp., Bucks County on Thursday were met with a bit of a challenge: navigating a number of exotic pets.

"Two dogs, two parrots, a chinchilla, a cat, two snakes, a bearded dragon and an iguana," said Deputy Fire Chief Michael Ferguson. "Outside the house, there was an alligator, numerous goats and numerous chickens."

The volunteer firefighters from the Third District Company in Bristol were dispatched to the home on Lakeland Avenue just after 1:15 a.m.

No one was home at the time but there were several pets inside the burning home and on the property.

"We were met with about 15 animals," said Ferguson.

Firefighters worked to restrain the dogs as they battled the flames and led the other pets to safety, carrying out massive aquarium tanks from the burning house.

Animal control and police will determine if the pets inside were owned legally.

Officials say despite the first responders' best efforts, one bird and a chinchilla died.

Firefighters were gifted a respirator for pets and this is the second time they've used it this year.

"In the fire service we treat every life as one, humans, animals, and we try to save everyone we can," says Ferguson.

The fire marshal says the fire started within the rear vestibule area of the home. The cause is under investigation but not suspicious in nature.