HAMPTON, Va. - Several animals have died after a fire at a local business.
It was originally believed that a ball python may have been on the loose, but the owner of the business says all of the animals are now accounted for.
The Hampton Fire Department says they were called to a fire at commercial building in the intersection of Copeland Drive and 58th Street Thursday evening just before 7:30 p.m.
Ball Python
The building is owned by Conley Herps Incorporated, a business that breeds reptiles like snakes and other animals.
Because of the size of the building and uncertainty about what was inside, crews called a second alarm.
Fire officials say they put the fire out shortly after the call. However, they had to call Hampton Animal Control after finding some snakes deceased and others unaccounted for.
The business sustained moderate to heavy smoke damage and minor fire damage.
The owner says she does not know exactly how many animals died.
The cause of the fire has been determined it to be accidental caused by electrical heaters used in the snake enclosures.
