Verwood: Animals rescued from house fire caused by incense stick
Three people safely exited the property before fire crews arrived
Last updated 3rd Oct 2022
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service have warned against leaving candles and incense sticks unattended, after several animals have been rescued from a house fire in the Verwood parish area of Dorset.
Fire crews from Verwood and Fendown were called to a "well-developed fire" at a property at Three Legged Cross this morning.
While three people safely left the building before the Fire Service arrived, several animals had to be rescued as crew members tackled the blaze.
Animals including a large snake, a parrot, a gecko and mice were rescued using a ventilation fan to clear the property of smoke.
A spokesperson from Verwood Fire Station said:
"Two members of the crew were committed to the property wearing breathing apparatus and using one hose reel jet quickly brought the fire under control.
"Due to the large number of animals in the property, including a snake (large), parrot, gecko and mice, the crew used a tactical ventilation fan to clear the property of smoke and improve conditions for the animals.
"The likely cause of the fire was an unattended incense stick.
"We remind the public to never leave candles and incense sticks unattended and they should always be fully extinguished. Also the importance of shutting internal doors which in this case limited the damage to the room of origin."