An alligator was rescued from a Milwaukee house fire

An alligator was recovered from a house fire in Milwaukee on Saturday, June 21, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department.

Around 12:45 p.m. Saturday, firefighters arrived West Scott Street and South 14th Street after reports of a fire in the area, according to an incident report provided by the fire department.

The firefighters found a tree branch had fallen onto electrical wires and set a car on fire. The fire had spread to the home at 1427 W. Scott. St., with the back of the house on fire.

Firefighters set about extinguishing the fire and had it out by about 1 p.m., according to the report. When searching the home afterwards, firefighters found a three-foot alligator in the basement and called the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission to the scene.

The shelter has had the female alligator in custody since Saturday afternoon, Kate Hartlund, MADACC community engagement coordinator, told the Journal Sentinel.

Like with any rescue involving law enforcement, a hold has been placed on the alligator until authorities approve it for relocation, she added. After the hold is lifted, MADACC will likely work to place the alligator in a nearby reptile rescue.

In addition to the alligator, two bearded dragons and one lizard were found at the home, according to the incident report.

In an email statement to the Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski added he’s “just happy we didn’t have to say see you later!”

Though Wisconsin is one of a few states with no laws against keeping exotic animals as pets, the city of Milwaukee makes it illegal to own animals that are not domesticated.