Snake Blamed For $12,000 In Utah Fire Damage

OREM, Utah (AP) -- An unlikely source is to blame for about $12,000 in fire damage to a home. Police speculate Landon Nielsen's pet boa constrictor wrapped itself around a heat lamp inside the cage and pulled the lamp down, which set the cage ablaze.

The fire spread, destroying the snake, the bedroom where the snake was kept and causing damage throughout the home, Lt. Doug Edwards said. The home's occupants escaped unharmed.