KIRKLAND, Wash. -- The renters of a home in Kirkland scrambled to save their collection of some 200 exotic reptiles and animals after the house erupted in fire Monday afternoon.

Robin Paster of Kirkland Fire said the home's renter and his two sons returned just as the fire was starting and called 911. The family was able to rescue many of the reptiles which they brought outside in cages or put into cars.

The collection includes snakes, a variety of lizards, tortoises and an American alligator, which can grow into a very large man-eater.

SLIDESHOW: Fire Burns Inside Kirkland Home

VIDEO: Reptiles Rescued From Kirkland House Fire

Lizards and snakes in tanks all had to be pulled out as firefighters moved in.

Some of the reptiles and a cat were killed in the blaze. Firefighters were able to contain the fire before it spread to other homes. The family's two dogs made it out of the house unharmed.

Most of the upstairs of the home in the 13000 block of 93rd Avenue Northeast was destroyed by fire. Investigators believe the fire started in the room where the reptiles were being kept.

A family member, who asked to be identified only as Bobby, said he cut his hand shattering a window so he could rescue a cage full of baby squirrels.

"It was too smoky and hot so I went around to the outside of the window and I got what I could out -- anything that was close enough," said Bobby.

Bobby said he was unsure exactly how many creatures were killed in the fire, but believed he knew how the fire began.

"A cat chasing a lizard in its cage in the room knocked off a light, I'm pretty sure," said Bobby.

Neighbors said the animal population in the house was a surprise to them.

Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and the legality of owning some of the reptiles.

Bobby explained why the family had so many.

"We try to get them all breeding. We really like animals and what not," said Bobby.

King County Animal Control is investigating the situation.

All of the displaced animals have places to stay and be cared for.