Nine puppies killed in house fire as crews work to determine cause

Firefighters in Utah said a house fire claimed the lives of nine puppies. (Credit: The South Davis Metro Fire Department)

A house fire in Utah claimed the lives of nine puppies.

The South Davis Metro Fire Department said the fire broke out Monday around 5:30 p.m. local time at a two-story duplex. 

Firefighters were able to cool the flames from the basement before entry. 

Authorities say one occupant was able to get out and was taken to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. 

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Search crews then found and removed nine puppies. Crews tried to revive them, but the animals succumbed to their injuries. 

A large snake was also removed but appeared to be unharmed. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

This story was reported from Los Angeles.