The North Bay Fire Department says an owner's pet dog may have caused a morning kitchen fire.
The North Bay Fire and Emergency Services responded to a structure fire at 972 Main St W Monday morning around 8:30..
Upon arrival, fire crews encountered a working fire with smoke and flames visible from the kitchen area.
A neighbour told BayToday, the fire crews put the fire out swiftly and saved the owner's pets.
Jason Whitely, North Bay's Fire Chief, says fire crews immediately began an interior fire attack and a primary search of the residence.
"The family dog was immediately rescued and provided oxygen and aid by firefighters," said Whiteley in a release.
"The family cat was located and removed to safety during a secondary search; both pets are expected to recover."
Whiteley estimates the fire was declared out at 8:52 a.m.
The owner was not home at the time, and a neighbour heard the working smoke alarm and then saw flames and smoke coming from the home they shared a driveway with. She quickly called 911.
"Early detection provided by working smoke alarms and then neighbour’s diligence allowed fire crews to get on the scene before the fire was able to significantly grow and involve more of the structure," explained Whiteley.
The cause of the fire is believed to be caused by the family dog.
It is the second kitchen fire in less than a week that fire crews have fought.
"Early detection provided by working smoke alarms and then neighbour’s diligence allowed fire crews to get on scene before the fire was able to significantly grow and involve more of the structure," explained Whiteley.
The cause of the fire is believed to be related to the family dog jumping onto the stove to retrieve an item on top of the stove.
Whiteley believes the dog accidentally turned on a burner, which ignited the household items left on the stovetop.
Whiteley did not estimate the dollar value of the blaze, but the owner will need to find a new place to live due to smoke and fire damage inside.
North Bay Fire & Emergency Services is urging all residents to take extra precautions in the kitchen after today’s fire.
"Having a pet start a fire is not an isolated incident, and we’ve responded to similar fires in the past," said Whiteley in the release.
"Pets are curious, and modern stove controls especially front-mounted knobs can be easily nudged or turned."
Prevent this type of fire by taking these simple steps:
- Keep stovetops clear of all combustibles (dish towels, boxes, paper, plastic, etc.).
- Use knob covers or remove stove knobs when not in use, especially if you have pets or young children.
- Check that smoke alarms are working on every level of your home and test them monthly.