HERMON -- A turtle thought to have died in a fire Saturday morning on the Pyrites-Russell Road was found alive inside the home

Cathy Connors, daughter of the homeowners Donald and Geraldine Powers, said the 32-year old turtle has a history of Houdini-style escapes.

“Turtle Wurtle (the turtle’s name) was found safe and alive in the debris,” she said.

Initially feared dead, the turtle pulled off her greatest escape to date.

“She shimmied out of her tank as the water from the firemen’s hose filled it,” Connors said.

The turtle was found safe Sunday afternoon by the family in the gutted out dining room of the home. She was rushed to an exotic pet veterinarian in Albany to receive emergency care.

“The family would like to thank all the men and women who helped with the fire and the countless neighbors who have stopped to offer comfort and support,” Connors said.

According to WWNY, multiple volunteer fire departments battled a fire early Saturday morning which destroyed the home in the Town of Russell.

No one was hurt, but the home at 193 Pyrites - Russell was a total loss.

Owner, Donald Powers, his wife and their daughter escaped the fire, but three cats and three lizards perished in the blaze.

Powers told WWNY he thinks a cat pushing a towel on a wood stove might have started it.

Firefighters from Russell, Pyrites, Hermon, Canton and Pierrepont were all on scene.

The Red Cross was on its way overnight to provide assistance. The home was not insured.