Thu May 17, 6:58 PM

NEW YORK - Firefighters responding to a small basement fire Thursday morning were startled to find a 10-foot python, two cobras, tarantulas and an assortment of other creatures inside.

"It was like out of a science fiction scene," said Lt. Ed Ireland, whose engine company responded to the Queens blaze.

The fire, whose cause hadn't been determined, was reported at about 11:20 a.m. in the borough's Corona section. Once it was extinguished and the smoke cleared, Ireland noticed the python writhing near his feet.

In cages and tanks, there also were two small alligators, frogs, turtles and tarantulas, he said.

All the creatures were removed by a private animal rescue agency, except for two that the lieutenant said probably died of smoke inhalation.

"The cobras didn't make it," he said.

The animals' owner was cited for health code violations.

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