FaunaClassifieds - View Single Post - Fire burns Gatorland; 2 snakes, 2 crocs likely killed

11-08-2006, 10:44 PM

By Beth Kassab
Orlando Sentinel
Posted November 8 2006, 2:02 PM EST

ORLANDO -- A reptile heading pad in the snake exhibit caused the fire that destroyed Gatorland's main entrance, gift shop and some offices, the state fire marshal said today.
Monday's fire was ruled accidental, State Fire Marshal Det. Bill Newman said.
The conclusion was reached based on evidence in the fire rubble that was traced to the snake exhibit where two pythons died. One dwarf crocodile also was killed the blaze reported at 5:55 a.m. Monday.
Newman said the fire in the Orange County attraction raged out of control so quickly because the building was mostly made of wood and because of the amount of clothing and other fire fuel in the gift shop.
"The debris pile was at least 3 to 5 feet high," Newman said of the scene.
Gatorland's owners have vowed to reopen on Nov. 22.

11-08-2006, 10:44 PM	#7
INSANE CANES	Heating pad for snakes blamed for sparking Gatorland fire By Beth Kassab Orlando Sentinel Posted November 8 2006, 2:02 PM EST ORLANDO -- A reptile heading pad in the snake exhibit caused the fire that destroyed Gatorland's main entrance, gift shop and some offices, the state fire marshal said today. Monday's fire was ruled accidental, State Fire Marshal Det. Bill Newman said. The conclusion was reached based on evidence in the fire rubble that was traced to the snake exhibit where two pythons died. One dwarf crocodile also was killed the blaze reported at 5:55 a.m. Monday. Newman said the fire in the Orange County attraction raged out of control so quickly because the building was mostly made of wood and because of the amount of clothing and other fire fuel in the gift shop. "The debris pile was at least 3 to 5 feet high," Newman said of the scene. Gatorland's owners have vowed to reopen on Nov. 22.