Multiple pets, thought to be a variety of snakes, were being stored in glass enclosures when the two-storey Kurri Kurri home caught fire about 11.30am.

The reptiles were believed to have died inside the Northcote Street house when it was gutted by the blaze. 

Luke Johnston, from Rutherford Fire and Rescue, said large plumes of smoke were visible when the crew was en route to help Kurri Kurri Fire and Rescue battle the blaze.

No one was home at the time of the fire. 

Mr Johnston said there were initially concerns that the blaze could spread to other homes.

However several crews were able to contain the fire and protect neighbouring properties. 

It took about 45 minutes for crews to extinguish the blaze, Mr Johnston said.

He said there was no indication as to what sparked the fire and investigations into the blaze were continuing.