Man, ‘significant’ number of birds and snakes killed in house fire

A man, as well as a “significant” number of birds and snakes, were killed in a house fire in Methuen early Tuesday morning, officials said. 

The Methuen Fire Department responded around 2:20 a.m. to 38 Atkinson St. for a report of smoke in the home, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said in a release. 

First responders arrived to find heavy fire and smoke, and their entry was blocked by clutter. Firefighters fought the blaze for four hours and also initiated “defensive operations” to protect neighboring homes, officials said.

Three people escaped, but the fourth, an adult man, was found dead inside the home, the department said.

No further information has been released about the man, but Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death, the department said.

A “significant” number of birds and snakes also died in the fire, according to Jake Wark, public information officer for DFS.

The house endured “catastrophic damage,” the department said.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by the Methuen fire and police departments and State Police fire investigators, officials said.

“On behalf of the Methuen Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family,” said Methuen Fire Chief David A. Toto. “They lost a loved one and their home. This is a very sad day for them and the community.”