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Fire rips through home, kills several pets in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. — A man escaped his burning home in Sanford early Thursday.

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The fire broke out shortly before 2:30 a.m., causing heavy damage to the house along Aldean Drive.

Fire officials said the man was able to get out safely after a smoke alarm inside the home alerted him to the fire.

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Seven pets, including dogs, a hedgehog, and other animals, did not survive the fire, according to Sanford Fire Department.

The state fire marshal arrived at the scene shortly before 6 a.m. and later told Channel 9 that the fire was accidental in nature.

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