Hundreds of creepy, crawly lizards, snakes and other creatures had new homes Thursday – at least temporarily – after a giant fire raced through a reptile store in Stanton in Orange County.
But they were the lucky animals, as a number of others were killed in the blaze that caused an estimated $180,000 in damage but no human injuries, according to authorities.
Firefighters couldn’t have any reptile phobias as they fought the blaze in the 10500 block of Beach Boulevard that was reported about 8:10 p.m. Wednesday.
Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said about 50 firefighters from the OCFA and Anaheim Fire Department responded and had the fire under control by 8:43 p.m.
“Firefighters, along with the business owners, managed to save hundreds of reptiles and other animals, including two pit bulls which were loose inside the store,” Concialdi told City News Service.
“Unfortunately a number of animals succumbed to smoke inhalation, but I don’t have a count of those deaths at this point,” he said early this morning.
As many as 300 snakes, lizards, tarantulas and other creatures were being removed from the shop, which has been at the location for more than 25 years, according to officials at the scene.
“The removal and temporary housing of these animals was greatly assisted by volunteers from the Southern California Herpetology Association and Rescue group,” Concialdi said.
Some of the animals were being taken to a county animal shelter, according to animal control officers at the scene.
“The fire was accidental and caused by an electrical failure in the office area,” Concialdi said. “The blaze did an estimated $100,000 damage to the building’s structure and an estimated $80,000 in damage to the store’s contents and animals.”
Two arson investigators were sent to the scene, he said.
— City News Service