Businesses Destroyed by Fire but Four Snakes are Saved From Flames

Author’s note: This article is summarized from various sources, and attributions are linked within.

Photo of snake as example of the lucky four who were saved by FirefightersPhoto byDavid ClodeonUnsplash

Before firefighters extinguished a fire in a Santa Clarita strip mall, in Santa Clarita’s Valencia neighborhood, the fire did significant damage. All hope was not lost though as it was a holiday miracle for four snakes found in one of the businesses.

The fire was reported about 12:45 a.m. December 23, 2023 at the Vista Village Center in the 25800 block of Tournament Road. When firefighters arrived, “flames were already visible through the roof and they declared a second alarm to bring in more resources. There were no injuries reported but firefighters rescued four snakes from the property.”

The snakes saved included a five-foot Boa Constrictor. It’s not clear which of the now-destroyed business housed the snakes as none were pet stores. The offices included a dry cleaners, a former church office, a dentist, “and a store called The Olde World Apothecary & Botanica that specializes in items and classes associated with witchcraft and occult interests.”

Ultimately firefighters contained the damage to four out of the strip mall's ten units. The fire was fully extinguished shortly after 2 a.m.

Firefighters bulldozed Olde World and Village Cleaners. Video during the firefight showed the flames “concentrated at the back of those two businesses.”

"‘This was a pretty dangerous situation,’ said Fred Fielding, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. ‘There was extensive fire throughout. Not only are we trying to make sure the building is being saved as much as possible but that we're taking into account the safety of the firefighters.’”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“Animal Control crews were called out to the mall after the crew found four nonvenomous snakes, including a five-foot boa constrictor, were rescued from one of the units.”