Animals rescued as pet store catches fire

7:11pm Friday 29th August 2008

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SCORES of rare reptiles had a lucky escape after a fire forced the evacuation of a Poole pet store.

The blaze, which filled Southern Aquatics and Pets with thick, black smoke, broke out in a tropical fish chiller unit yesterday morning.

Firefighters, well drilled in pulling people to safety from burning buildings, found themselves rescuing a selection of parrots, rats and chipmunks instead.

A number of marine fish were killed and several thousands of pounds' worth of purpose-built equipment was destroyed.

Luckily, the store's more unusual residents, including an Asian Water Monitor lizard capable of growing up to 7ft, a Mexican Black King Snake and some Poison Arrow Frogs, all survived the drama.

Store manager Andrew Battison said: "It could have been awful. If it had happened in the middle of the night, the building could have been destroyed and all the animals killed.

"The fire took hold very quickly - there was thick, black smoke which filled the shop. We managed to get some of the animals, the ones in cages, out safely but we couldn't get any of our reptiles out. Aside from the fish, none of our animals were killed, though."

Firefighters from Poole's new Marshes End station were on the scene, at Northmead Drive, Creekmoor, within minutes of the 9am 999 call.

Mr Battison said: "We could smell burning when we opened up but couldn't see anything. The next thing we knew, flames were leaping up from behind a fish tank.

"Now we will monitor the animals to see how they have been affected. If we sell any, customers will be told to bring them back should they develop any problems. We will make this clear to them.

"I would like to thank the firemen. The Oceanarium at Bournemouth offered to help take some of our stock and two former staff members came in to help with the clear up. Everyone has been wonderful."

Southern Aquatics and Pets, boasting one of the largest collections of reptiles in the south, should reopen today.