Pocono Summit Fire Co. has rescued numerous cats and dogs from burning buildings, not to mention humans. But they say that Tuesday was the first time they ever rescued pet snakes — more than a dozen — from a house in Stillwater Lake Estates.

Pocono Summit Fire Co. has rescued numerous cats and dogs from burning buildings, not to mention humans. But they say that Tuesday was the first time they ever rescued pet snakes — more than a dozen — from a house in Stillwater Lake Estates.



"No, this is about it," chief George Tallmadge said when asked if he had ever freed any other exotic animals from a fire.



Crews were called to a house fire on Pine Tree Lane around 3 p.m. Tuesday. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, which sent flames shooting up into the pine trees on the property.



The fire severely damaged a portion of the house, but the area where the animals were kept only suffered smoke damage. Quick-thinking firefighters decided to carry the snakes outside, each in separate aquariums.



"It was a quick response," Tallmadge said.



Rescuing the snakes probably would have been more difficult, but the homeowner is actually a Pocono Summit firefighter. Tallmadge said he was aware of the snakes, and was able to communicate with his colleague,

Tuesday evening, as firefighters knocked down hot spots, the snakes — mostly albino corn snakes and boa constrictors — blissfully poked their heads around in their tanks.



The family's largest snake, a burmese python that measures more than 10 feet, was too big to remove. But he was reportedly in good condition inside.



Colleen Abriel said her pets may be misunderstood, but she can't live without them.



"I love them," she said. "I think they're beautiful."



Abriel said it was more than 10 years ago when a friend who was getting married offered the family one of their pet snakes. In the ensuing years, they amassed 14.



"None of them are venomous, none of them really bite," she said.

On Tuesday, she heard a noise coming from her son's room. She opened the door and saw smoke. That was all she needed to see, and she called 911 as she exited the house.



When firefighters arrived, flames were shooting out of part of the residence. They managed to limit the damage to the kitchen and the son's room. Tallmadge said a state police fire marshal would be on scene tomorrow to determine the cause.



Abriel said they will be staying with family, and the snakes will stay temporarily with a family friend.