Dozens of animals rescued from fire in southwest Ohio home

David Jones, a Hamilton County deputy dog warden, carries an iguana rescued from the fire. Another iguana died. CINCINNATI ENQUIRER/CARA OWSLEY Enlarge

MOUNT HEALTHY, Ohio -- Several dozen animals have found temporary shelter after Ohio firefighters rescued at least 60 pets from a house fire in a Cincinnati suburb.

Authorities responding to the Thursday morning fire found about a dozen snakes, 18 rats, a hedgehog, a chinchilla, birds, rabbits, and others creatures.

Most of the animals survived the fire at the Mount Healthy home, although at least one iguana and two cats died.

The animals' owner, Nikki Hagaman, who volunteers at the Animal House pet store that also rescues animals, was not home when the fire broke out. She said she had at least 77 animals. "I can't say no," she told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Authorities couldn't say the exact number of animals rescued, but Harold Dates of SPCA Cincinnati put the number at just over 60. He said the animals were well cared for but a "little shaken up."

He said they went to rescue groups, volunteers, or friends.

Ms. Hagaman told reporters she believes a heat bulb used to keep her reptiles warm may have started the fire. Many of the rescued animals were taken to the pet store after the fire. Adam Charles and his wife took in almost three dozen animals, including ferrets, guinea pigs, and rats.

Mr. Charles told a Cincinnati television station that the animals were adjusting to their new surroundings. He said one of the rats has a broken back and the ferrets were coughing and sneezing from inhaling too much smoke.