Butler fire crews responded to a fire at 116 Mercer Street at around 2:50 p.m. Monday.

Several pets died in a house fire at 116 Mercer Street in Butler Monday afternoon.

The tenants of the unit were not home when the fire started, but one dog, two cats and a small reptile perished in the fire, according to Butler Fire Department Chief Christopher Switala.

Switala said the fire started on the first floor, possibly caused by a heat lamp used by the reptile. Dispatch received the call at approximately 2:47 p.m., and Butler Township Fire Department, Butler Police, Butler Ambulance and Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.

This is a breaking news report.