Several Exotic Pets Saved In Bristol Twp. House Fire

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —Several Lower Bucks County fire crews battled a two-story house fire early Tuesday morning, fire officials said.

Third District Volunteer Fire Company Chief Howard McGoldrick told Patch that the fire broke out around 1:21 a.m. Thursday at 1615 Lakeland Ave.

It was brought under control in about 20 minutes. While no injuries were reported, two pets died in the fire, though many were also rescued, McGoldrick said.

Bristol Township Police found a house on fire while patrolling.

McGoldrick found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the two-story, single-family home.

Fire officials said a large dog was stopping anyone from entering the yard.

Police were able to corral the dog behind a truck, allowing the fire crews to enter and extinguish the fire.

"Crews did a very aggressive search of all floors, looking for anyone that might be home," McGoldrick said. No one was home at the time of the fire."

Several animals were rescued from the house, including two dogs, snakes, lizards, birds, and a turtle, McGoldrick said.

A parrot and a cat both died from smoke inhalation.

Bucks County Rescue Squad paramedics used a pet oxygen mask to try and revive the cat, but it was unsuccessful.

"This is the second time this month pet oxygen masks were used in Bristol Township," McGoldrick said. "We will do everything we can to rescue and save pets."

Assisting Third District were the Newportville, Croydon, Edgely, Levittown 2, American Hook Hose and Ladder, William Penn Oxford Valley Station fire companies, Bristol Township Fire Police, and the Bucks County Rescue Squad.

(Third District Volunteer Fire Company)