A FIRE in the bedroom of a house which put a large number of animals in danger was caused by an unattended incense stick.

Emergency services were called to the property in Bays Close, Three Legged Cross, on Sunday morning.

While three people had safely left the home by the time firefighters arrived, crews worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, with multiple animals still in the property, including a large snake, parrot, gecko and mice.

Salisbury Journal: Picture: Verwood Fire StationPicture: Verwood Fire Station (Image: Verwood Fire Station)

A fire service spokesperson said two members of the crews from Verwood and Ferndown entered the address in breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet to bring the well-developed fire under control.

Due to the animals, a tactical ventilation fan was to clear the property of smoke and improve the conditions.

A Verwood Fire Station spokesperson said: “The likely cause of the fire was an unattended incense stick.

“We remind the public to never leave candles and incense sticks unattended and they should always be fully extinguished.

“Also the importance of shutting internal doors which in this case limited the damage to the room of origin.”

A spokesperson for Ferndown Fire Station said all of the animals were saved.