By Marika Dobbin-Thomas
Hundreds of reptiles including crocodiles and an inland taipan, the world’s deadliest snake, were evacuated after a fire broke out at a factory in Melbourne’s east, killing some of the animals inside.
The Country Fire Authority responded to the fire at the Jurassic Jungle warehouse on Canterbury Road in Kilsyth South at 8.30pm on Monday to find the factory’s roof ablaze, a statement said.
The Jurassic Jungle warehouse went up in flames.Credit: Chris Hopkins
Wildlife Victoria and Ambulance Victoria also attended the scene as more than 500 reptiles, many of them venomous, were kept inside the factory.
Firefighters contained the fire within an hour before the building’s owners and wildlife carers could remove the animals. It is believed some reptiles were killed in the blaze.
The Kilsyth South factory serves as a warehouse for the Jurassic Jungle store in Bayswater, which sells native and foreign animals.
The CFA’s assistant chief fire officer, David Renkin, who went to the scene, said 540 reptiles were kept in the building, including crocodiles, lizards, frogs and snakes.
He said there were concerns some of the venomous snakes may have escaped their enclosures and firefighters were advised not to enter one part of the factory.
“From a safety perspective, we made sure the crew didn’t enter into that area of the building,” Renkin told 3AW.
Wildlife Victoria and Reptiles Victoria were contacted by emergency services to provide assistance at the scene.
“Approximately 30 animals were transported to Reptiles Victoria’s rehabilitation centre this morning and both Wildlife Victoria’s travelling veterinary services have arrived on site to provide veterinary assistance,” Wildlife Victoria said in a statement.
The reptiles were removed from the building.Credit: Chris Hopkins
“This is a devastating incident in which we understand the loss of animal life to be substantial. I want to thank everyone involved in the response and those who attended last night,” Lisa Palma, Wildlife Victoria’s CEO, said in the statement.
The organisation said the factory is a commercial reptile breeding facility.
The fire is under investigation but not thought to be suspicious.
Jurassic Jungle has been contacted for comment.
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