The homeowners’ dog accidentally turned on the stove, leading to a fire that could have had devastating consequences.
A house in Colorado Springs recently caught fire under unusual circumstances.
Accidental fire triggered by dog
In the early hours of June 26, at around 4:45 a.m., firefighters from the Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to a fire report.
The incident occurred at a home on the city’s south side.
According to a Facebook post from the department, the homeowners reported a fire on their stove.
One of the residents had already extinguished it before emergency crews arrived.
When the firefighters arrived, they found no active fire, but one of the residents had been hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Fortunately, no other injuries were reported, and the fire had not spread beyond the kitchen.
Discovery of the unlikely culprit
While investigating the cause of the fire, authorities found something unexpected when reviewing the home’s security footage.
It turned out the family dog had unintentionally started the fire by switching on the stove.
According to the fire department, the dog had become curious and jumped on the stove, accidentally turning it on.
Boxes placed on top of the stove ignited, leading to the fire.
The surveillance video showed the dog sniffing around the stove and then walking away.
Shortly after, the boxes on the stovetop caught fire, quickly filling the kitchen with smoke.
Quick thinking and fire prevention tips
The homeowners, who were asleep during the incident, were alerted by their Apple HomePod, which sent them a “High Heat” warning.
This quick notification allowed firefighters to respond to the fire before it spread further.
Their prompt action potentially saved both the home and the residents’ lives.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department used this incident to emphasize fire safety measures.
They advised homeowners to ensure they have functioning smoke alarms in every room and to remove flammable materials from stovetops.
Additionally, they recommended always having two exit routes from every room in the event of a fire.
Previously, dog causes house fire after chewing portable battery
This isn’t the first time a curious dog has unintentionally started a fire.
In a separate incident in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 31, a dog chewed through a portable lithium-ion battery. This caused a dangerous house fire.
The dog, left alone in a room, gnawed on the battery until it malfunctioned, causing an explosion and subsequent fire.
When the homeowner returned, they saw smoke billowing from their house and quickly called 911.
The Tulsa Fire Department arrived promptly and extinguished the fire, though significant damage was done to the living room.
Fortunately, the dog was able to escape through a doggy door, avoiding injury.
However, the fire department issued a warning about the dangers of leaving hazardous items, like batteries, within reach of pets.
Fire safety warnings for pet owners
After these incidents, fire departments have urged pet owners to be more vigilant. They recommend keeping potentially dangerous items out of their pets’ reach.
Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, pose a significant risk when damaged. They can release harmful gases and heat, which may lead to fires or explosions.
The quick actions of fire departments in both cases helped prevent more severe outcomes. These incidents highlight the importance of being proactive about fire safety, particularly for pet owners.
These incidents serve as important reminders of how curious pets can unintentionally cause serious accidents.
Pet owners are urged to stay vigilant and take steps to protect their homes from fire risks posed by their furry friends.
