A number of reptiles were found dead inside a southwest Edmonton home where a fire broke out Wednesday.
At 12:01 p.m., Edmonton Fire Rescue Services was called to a fire at a single-family home in the area of 20 Avenue and 112A Street.
When crews arrived on scene five minutes later, the house was engulfed in smoke.
Eight units responded to the fire, including the winter decon unit, according to EFRS.
The fire was brought under control at 12:35 p.m. and EFRS said no humans were injured.
However, EFRS spokesperson Brittany Lewchuk said “thousands of reptiles were found inside the home, (the) majority of which were deceased.” A City of Edmonton spokesperson later told Global News it’s believed “more than 1,000” reptiles were found, however, it was still not known exactly how many reptiles were found dead, what type of reptiles they were or how they died.
Officers from Animal and Pest Control were called out to the scene. A spokesperson with the department said 10 tortoises and one leopard gecko were taken into their care.
Lewchuk said Animal Care and Control was notified and has been asked to attend the scene.
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The cause of the fire and extent of the damage to the house is not yet known.