Friends,
It appears that most of my original message was truncated and didn't make the post above. First thank everyone for their thoughts, emails, and calls. It is VERY much appreciated.
This is a pretty big blow as this was really going to be a big year for us. We had at least a dozen visible lavenders going this year, and about three dozen DH lav clown clutches going along with Het Co-doms. Just a little over a week ago we finally hatched our first lavender clown after over 50 DH x DH eggs and three years of trying.
There is a fire investigator coming over to determine the cause of the fire, but it almost certainly started in the snake room and the only thing it could have been is an electrical fire.
I will share more when I know more.
EVERYONE!!!!! Please check your ALL of your electrical systems and heat systems out completely. You cannot be too careful.
My wife and I got out OK, but I lost every snake I had and got second degree burns to my face and hands from a backdraft in a rescue attempt. Lots of love, time, and hard work (not to mention money) were lost and will be hard to replace. I am still in a bit of a state of shock over the whole thing.
Anyway, I have about 300 rats in four 15 tub home made rat racks that I would be happy to give to someone if they can come and get them in Vermont in the next couple of days. The cut the power so I have no water (on a well).
If anyone can use them, I can be reached via my email at
grant@lavenderalbino.com

Something like this really puts things into perspective and I guess we are lucky that it happened in the evening while we were awake or it may very well have turned out differently. EVERYONE take extra care to keep you and your families safe.

Thanks again to all
Grant Whitmer

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