Fifteen snakes had to be evacuated from an "intense" house fire in south London which sparked after a bonfire got out of control.
Two people - one of whom needed medical treatment after falling - also escaped the blaze, while firefighters had to lead two dogs to safety.
Fire chiefs said the unattended bonfire, in Princess Road, Selhurst, had been lit in a garden before spreading to two houses - badly damaging two floors of the first and causing "substantial" damage to two floors of the second.
It took the brigade an hour and a half to get the flames under control after they received a call at about 1.40pm.
An elderly woman fell while leaving her house and needed treatment from paramedics.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "When crews arrived they were faced with an intense fire that was affecting two properties. Firefighters saved two dogs and around 15 snakes who were in the house at the time of the fire.
“If you’re having a bonfire at this time of year make sure you never leave it unattended and always keep it away from your home, sheds or fences.”
