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.

Editor’s note: We are republishing this story in light of the high temperatures.

How to find a cooling center

1. Use your phone

Call Impact 2-1-1, which can connect you to the overnight shelters and centers closest to you. You can also text your ZIP code to TXT-211.

2. Go online

You can also look at the city’s health department’s list of designated cooling centers.

Cooling center locations

Many senior centers and some social service agencies serve as bad weather shelters in extreme heat. Here are a few.

1335 W. Vliet St.

414-342-9323       

Washington Park Senior Center

4420 W. Vliet St.

414-933-2332

Open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wilson Senior Center

2601 W. Howard Ave.

414-282-5566

Open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Clinton E. & Bernice K. Rose Senior Center

3045 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

414-263-2255

Open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

All Milwaukee Public Library locations allow individuals to cool down in the air-conditioning during regular business hours. Call 414-286-3000 to speak with a librarian regarding a specific branch and its hours.

Many local organizations and governmental buildings welcome visitors to air-conditioned common areas and community spaces to stay cool.

What you should know about utility shut-offs

Wisconsin law prevents a utility from disconnecting electrical service when a heat advisory, heat warning, or heat emergency issued by the National Weather Service is in effect, according to a news release issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

The utility also is required to make reasonable attempts to reconnect service that has been disconnected for nonpayment if a resident says there is a potential threat to health or life because of the heat and loss of service.

After the heat advisory, heat warning or heat emergency, expires, the utility can once again disconnect service without notice if payment arrangements have not been made, according to the Public Service Commission.

If you have questions about disconnections, contact the Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs Bureau at 1-800-225-7729.

Check in with Airnow to monitor air quality.

Follow these tips from the county health department to beat the heat:

1. Slow down and limit physical activity, especially if you are working outside or in hot settings.

2. Never leave children, persons with a disability or pets in a parked car – as temperatures can become life threatening within minutes.

3. Use fans to increase ventilation, unless temperatures exceed 90 degrees at which point fans become ineffective in reducing heat-related illness.

4. Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day regardless of thirst to avoid dehydration.

5. Check in with neighbors and family to make sure they are staying cool.

Check with the City of Milwaukee Health Department for more cooling locations and to monitor when it is safe to be outside.

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