At least a handful of pets were rescued from a large, fatal fire on Minnesota Boulevard Wednesday, Anchorage Fire Department spokeswoman Jodie Hettrick confirmed. She said fire crews found a cat, a few goldfish and a boa constrictor at the Royal Suite Lodge and called the Anchorage Animal Care and Control to assist with their removal and temporary housing. She said other animals may also have been rescued, but she did not have a complete list.
Hettrick said AFD was not aware of any animal fatalities, although two people were killed by the early morning blaze. She said in cases like this, pet owners should prioritize their own escape and let firefighters attempt a rescue of their animals.