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METHUEN, Massachusetts ( WCVB ) -- A man and more than 60 pet snakes died early Tuesday in a two-alarm house fire in Methuen, Massachusetts, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Slattery.

The victim was identified by his wife as 40-year-old Andrew Carlson.

Firefighters responded at 2:20 a.m. to the home at 38 Atkinson St. Crews were met with heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-family home.

"Two of the three other people who lived there also stated there was somebody inside. We tried to get there, to the front door, around to the back, the side of the building, but we were unable to gain entry," Slattery said.

They immediately attempted to make entry but encountered heavy fire and were blocked by heavy clutter, officials said. They moved

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