Snakes perish in first of two Thursday night house fires
Feb 01, 2009
Two house fires that occurred almost simultaneously at opposite ends of the city Thursday night caused extensive damage to both homes, killed some pet snakes and taxed the local fire department’s resources.The first fire was reported on Snake Road just after 10 p. m. A resident in the house ran to a neighboring home to call 911 after a fire erupted in the basement.
When fire crews arrived, they were confronted with heavy smoke and flames at the rear of the bungalow. The fire extended from the basement to the main floor and attic.
Firefighters worked from inside the house and also from ladders on the roof to control the stubborn blaze. Crews remained at the scene for several hours to extinguish hidden fires in the walls and attic.
The home is located in a semi-rural area that does not have fire hydrants so additional firetrucks from Hamilton were needed to support Burlington’s emergency vehicles as part of a tanker shuttle agreement between the two cities. Damage from smoke and fire was extensive throughout the house and is estimated at $250,000.
A husband and wife with 2 adult American bulldogs and 10 newborn American bulldog puppies, Sheppard and shorty bull puppy escaped the Snake Road blaze unhurt. Rotsma said he spoke to the homeowner who said he had been keeping snakes in the basement and that some of them survived the fire. Rotsma said the couple has home insurance and is staying with relatives in Hamilton.
Dave Lake, supervisor of Animal Control in Burlington, said 7 adult American bulldogs being kept in a registered kennel on the property were safe.
