EAST GREENWICH, R.I. - Firefighters often have to rescue people from burning homes, sometimes even a dog or cat.

The snake firefighters had to drag out of a burning East Greenwich home just after midnight Monday morning may have been a first.

Acting Chief Peter Henrikson tells The Providence Journal that it took two firefighters to carry out the 18-foot long Burmese python with a diameter like a "Frisbee" in the middle.

The only occupant of the home managed to escape on his own and brought out his two dogs and a cat.

Henrikson says he hates snakes and wouldn't go near it.

He says it appears the fire started where the pipe of a wood stove met the wall. The house was condemned.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/  

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