Exotic Animals Die in Miami Fire

MIAMI -- Several exotic animals died in a fire at a southwest Miami-Dade house on Wednesday morning. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the fire broke out at a storage shed detached from a home in the 10400 block of Southwest 60th Street at about 9:45 a.m. Firefighters going to fight the blaze were warned to watch out for large exotic cats. From Sky 10 overhead, several large cages could be seen on the property.

Dec. 3, 2009

MIAMI --

Several exotic animals died in a fire at a southwest Miami-Dade house on Wednesday morning.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the fire broke out at a storage shed detached from a home in the 10400 block of Southwest 60th Street at about 9:45 a.m.

Firefighters going to fight the blaze were warned to watch out for large exotic cats. From Sky 10 overhead, several large cages could be seen on the property.

Some crews fought the flames and keep them from spreading to neighboring homes while others worked to save the animals, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Parrots, snakes and a lemur died in the blaze, officials said.

Miami-Dade firefighters sent a venom response team to the scene because of the snakes and other exotic animals.

Fire officials said they have not determined the cause of the fire.