Fire in US home leads to surprise: 28 snakes, 6 of them deadly

SALT LAKE CITY – Firefighters arrived at a U.S. home to put out a blaze and discovered more than flames — 28 snakes, six of them deadly.

The man didn’t have a permit for the six venomous snakes — five rattlers and a gaboon viper — and he may face misdemeanour charges.

The viper, native to Africa, is considered one of the most dangerous in the world.

The snakes were inside cages in a separate room and were removed as firefighters put out the kitchen blaze on Friday in Utah. All of the snakes survived.

“I don’t think firefighters were ever in danger from the snakes, except for the creep factor,” said North Davis Fire Chief Mark Becraft.

The poisonous snakes were confiscated by the Utah Division of Wildlife, where Capt. Tony Wood was trying to determine their fate.

The owner has been described variously by officials as a snake professional or breeder. Officials said the snakes were well fed and in good condition and that there was no threat to anyone in the neighbourhood.

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Associated Press writer Brady McCombs contributed to this report.