Some Animals Saved As Fire Rips Through Oak Glen Animal Museum

OAK GLEN, CA — A fire ripped through a popular animal spot in Oak Glen Thursday afternoon, killing many of the animals inside, officials report. The fire at Mountain Town Reptile Museum was reported just before noon in the 38300 block of Oak Glen Road.

Though police initially reported that "approximately 100 animals did perish in the fire" after a family member at the scene provided that preliminary estimate, fire officials later discovered less were killed than originally feared. As of 4 p.m., crews believed 18 animals died in the fire, including lizards, snakes, tortoises and rabbits.

When firefighters from the CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit responded to the location, they found flames coming out of the building, images from the scene show.

The museum housed several different types of animals, birds and reptiles, according to its website.

"We are dedicated to helping children and their families learn about Nature and Reptiles,"" the site states. "We especially want to help those children who are emotionally and physically challenged."

Precious Dykstra, who's parent owns the facility, told Yucaipa police at the scene that the fire had devastated their museum.

"We lost everything, except for the same birds that we've had for 20 years," she said. "The big red and blue ones, we were able to get them out."

A total of six parrots were were saved from the flames, according to fire officials. Two geese and six water turtles were also okay after the incident.

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— Yucaipa Police (@YucaipaPD) March 14, 2019

Some of the other animals at the location included African Grey Parrots, Macaws, raccoons and rabbits.

"Our Reptile Museum also has snakes from around the world, such as African Rock Pythons, Columbian Red Tail Boa's, Corn Snakes, Milk Snakes and Ball Pythons," the museum site states. "We also have other reptiles including European Legless Lizards, Leopard Gecko's, Plated Lizard's and Tarantula's. From Madagascar the Reptile Museum has Hissing Cockroaches."

Firefighters said the blaze was contained by 12:45 p.m., but crews are expected to remain at the scene for several more hours. The cause is currently unknown.

"Investigators are working the scene now," Cal Fire Spokeswoman Cathey Mattingly told Patch at 4 p.m. "It was too hot until just about 30 to 45 minutes ago for them to go back in there."

Police said the road and area above, or northeast, of Apple Annies was closed during the incident.