Escaped Snakes Force Colo. Firefighters' Retreat

LITTLETON, Colo. -- Firefighters battling a reptile shop fire were forced to retreat by snakes on the floor and thick smoke, a chief said Tuesday. The early-morning fire, which killed about 3,000 snakes, appears to be accidental, Littleton Fire Division Chief Jim Hofstra told 7NEWS. The fire triggered an alarm at 5:39 a.m. Monday in a warehouse at 3911 Norwood Drive. The fire badly damaged the Pro Exotics reptile store and caused less damage to other businesses in the warehouse.