Dog dies in accidental house fire which it started
A vet attended but the animal was unable to be saved
Last updated 19th Aug 2024
Fire crews in Devon have issued a warning about smoke alarms after a dog started an accidental house fire - and died.
Crews were called to Tavistock just before 2pm on Friday afternoon after neighbours reported smoke.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "The accidental fire was caused by the owner's dog jumping up to the cooker and turning the ring on
"This isn’t uncommon where a dog will seek food left on top of the hob.
"Sadly the dog passed away due to smoke inhalation.
"A gerbil and guinea pig were rescued by the crews wearing breathing apparatus and treated by the local vet who attended."
The kitchen was left severely damaged by the fire, with the rest of the property also affected.
The spokesperson added: "Neighbours raised the alarm when they smelt smoke from next door, Fortunately no one was home although this wasn’t known until we searched the house in thick smoke with a fire in the kitchen."
The incident is not the first involving a pet, with fire crews in Essex called to a hairdryer fire which was started by a dog turning it on.
In 2020 a dog was blamed for starting a kitchen fire in Kent, and so was a cat