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MILLCREEK — Emergency responders said they are fully involved in extinguishing a house fire in Millcreek, and will continue their efforts through the night.

Fire crews responded to the fire Wednesday evening. The blaze was classified as a 2-alarm fire.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames up to 45 feet high coming out of the house. Firefighters from all major Salt Lake County departments were on the scene to subdue the blaze.

No one was home at the time the fire started. However, officials reported three cats, a bird and a 3 foot-long shark were killed in the fire. The shark was housed in a 400 gallon aquarium that was destroyed in the fire.

The house is considered to be a total loss, according to Salt Lake Police Department spokesperson Brian Anderson.

"The amount of fire and the amount of the involvement with the fire mad it basically impossible for our crews to commit to going inside," said Anderton said.

On top of the massive flames and collapsing walls and ceiling, crews are worried about water from the fire fight running into Millcreek with potentially hazardous materials.Crews have put up sandbags to divert the water, and Hazmat teams are on scene testing the creek water.

Crews reported the fire was under control around 9:30 p.m.

"We're going to be here monitoring the building for the rest of the night," Anderson said. "We're bringing in a tractor to gain access to some of the more hard-to-reach hot spots."

The house is located in a heavily wooded area on Evergreeen Avenue in Millcreek, a suburb located southeast of Salt Lake City.

Investigators believe the fire started in the back of the home, and it does not appear suspicious. However, the investigation is ongoing.

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