At least 18 animals died and 14 others were rescued in a fire that erupted at a reptile museum in San Bernardino County on Thursday, officials said.
The dramatic rescue took place at noon at the Mountain Town Reptile Museum in Oak Glen, "apple country." Among the animals rescued were two geese and six water turtles. Six parrots were also rescued.
The museum lost lizards, snakes, salamanders, turtles, birds, guinea pigs and bunnies.
"It's really, really sad right now," museum owner Terry Fox said. "I don't know what else to say."
A firefighter was sent to the hospital for minor burns.
