At 20:57 the Sussex EOC transmitted a Box Assignment to the Dagsboro & Millsboro VFC's along with SCEMS Medic 103, for a reported house fire on Power Plant Rd. At 20:59 Engine 732 officered by Deputy McCabe & a crew of (6) were responding and advised by Fire Police Captain Redington who was on scene that they had a working alarm. Engine 732 arrived at 21:01 to find a single story rancher with heavy fire venting from sides 1 & 3, with Deputy McCabe establishing IC. IC assigned the crew of Engine 732 to deploy (2) two 1 3/4" lines, crew (1) one was assigned to side 1 & crew (2) two to side 3 of the structure. After verifying from the home owner that all occupant were out of the residence, next in Engine 831 was assigned to ventilation and to check for extension. Dagsboro EMS along with SCEMS Medic 103 established a rehab area on side 2. With the arrival of Engine 731(844) & Rescue Co. 73 a manpower pool was established next to the rehab area, under the direction of Chief 73, Glenn. Interior crews knocked the fire with in 15 min. began overhaul. Rescue 73 set-up scene lighting and provided tools for an extensive overhaul operation. Tanker Co. 73 & 83 were staged along with Engine 832. After knock down I was discovered that there were 20 exotic birds (Macalls, Cockatiels, Parrots) along with a ferret, Arabian Squirrel, & a cat. It is sad to say that only 1 Macall along with the ferret were the only survivors and were treated by EMS. Command placed the incident under control at 21:26 holding all units, and requested a (2) two Engine Cover-up at Dagsboro & FMO to the scene. After an extensive overhaul crews were made ready for service and returning to quarters at 22:53. The cause of the blaze has been labels suspicious and non-accidental by the DSFMO. Both the remaining Macall & Ferret are doing well, no firefighters were injured. Units Operating on Scene: Engine 731 (844), Engine 732, Engine 736, Engine 831, Engine 832, Rescue Co. 73, Rescue Co. 83. Tanker Co. 73, Tanker Co. 83, Amb. A-73, SCEMS Medic 103, SCFP, DSFMO, DSP, DPD Units Providing Cover: Frankford Engine 761 & Gumboro Engine 794 to Dagsboro