A family dog accidentally sparked a devastating house fire in Enfield, Connecticut, that killed the family's pets and destroyed all their belongings. The incident occurred when the pooch jumped up at an electric cooker, knocking a burner control.
Fire Destroys Home, Displaces Family
Fire crews were called to the property at about 7:50 PM last Saturday (June 6) after reports of a structure fire. The blaze completely gutted the home, leaving it a total loss. Fortunately, no people were injured, but the family's pets tragically died in the fire.
The family, consisting of a mother and her two children who attend Enfield High School, were not at home when the fire started. They were left displaced and lost all their belongings, including clothes, school items, and everyday essentials. A GoFundMe appeal was launched to help the family recover.
Dog Reached for Food on Stove
Fire officials said the dog appeared to have been trying to reach something left on top of the stove when it accidentally turned on a front-facing knob. Items on the hob then caught fire, with flames spreading quickly from the kitchen to the rest of the house. By the time firefighters arrived, heavy smoke and flames were coming from the roof and windows.
Firefighters worked for some time to bring the incident under control. Although the structure remained standing, the inside of the home was completely destroyed by fire, smoke, and water damage.
Warning from Fire Officials
Fire officials used the incident to warn against leaving items on a stovetop and suggested using knob covers for households with children or curious pets. UK fire services have noted that pets accidentally starting kitchen fires is not unusual, as curious dogs and cats may jump up at cookers and hobs and unintentionally switch them on.
Fire investigators say this most often happens when an animal is drawn by the smell of food left out. Cookers and stovetops are the most common source of pet-triggered fires. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue previously highlighted the issue in a safety campaign, reporting that crews attend around 10 pet-related fires a year in the county alone.
Fire bosses say that replicated across the UK's many regional fire and rescue services, the total can run into hundreds of incidents nationwide. Modern appliances can be particularly vulnerable, with front-facing dials and touch controls sometimes easy to activate with a paw.
