Firefighters in Madison suspect that cats may have accidentally turned on a stove, sparking a kitchen fire.
In an unexpected turn of events, a kitchen fire broke out on Thursday afternoon on the city's east side, specifically in a unit on the 800 block of Harrington Drive. The Madison Fire Department (MFD) was swiftly called to the scene, and their crews successfully extinguished the fire in its entirety.
The fire started in the unit when neighbors noticed smoke coming from the stove. They entered the unit and found the fire burning. Acting quickly, the neighbors used an extinguisher to put out the fire before it could spread further.
The MFD suspects that the cats living in the unit may have inadvertently turned on the stove, potentially causing the fire. Firefighters believe that the cats may have jumped on top of the stove and knocked it on, igniting a blaze.
Fortunately, the person who lived inside the unit was not home at the time of the fire. The neighbors were informed by the resident about how to gain entry to the unit.
The stove and microwave in the unit were damaged due to the fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the official cause of the fire is currently unknown.
This incident serves as a reminder of the common causes of pet-related house fires. Pets, such as cats, can accidentally interact with stoves, knock over lit candles, and cause electrical faults, posing a significant fire risk. It is essential for pet owners to supervise their pets and pet-proof their homes for fire safety.
Common examples of pet-related house fires include a curious dog turning on a stove, causing a fire[3], and pets knocking over candles[2]. Additionally, faulty electrical wiring in pet enclosures like a snake habitat has been known to ignite fires in homes[1].
Stay safe and be vigilant with your furry friends!
- On the other hand, this incident highlights the importance of pet-proofing not only the home-and-garden but also the lifestyle for fire safety, considering pets' potential role in causing house fires.
- Caution should be exercised when leaving pets unsupervised, especially near fire hazards like stoves, candles, or faulty wiring, as pets might inadvertently trigger a house fire.
