A hungry dog trying to reach food on a stovetop accidentally started a kitchen fire early Friday morning, one of two overnight fires the Canton Fire Department responded to on Aug. 22.
Firefighters were called to a home at 1328 St. Elmo NE at 2:24 a.m. after the family’s dog reportedly turned on an electric burner while attempting to reach food, igniting items on the stove, according to the department.
Four adults and six children were inside at the time. Working smoke detectors alerted everyone to the fire, allowing them to escape safely. The family was able to put out the flames with a garden hose before firefighters arrived.
The blaze caused minor damage to the oven and light smoke damage to the kitchen. No injuries were reported, and the family was able to remain in the home. The fire was ruled accidental.
Earlier fire displaces resident
About 40 minutes earlier, at 1:40 a.m., firefighters responded to a separate blaze at 820 High Ave. NW. Heavy flames were seen coming from the front of the 2½-story home when crews arrived.
The lone occupant of the home told officials she believed the fire started when the cord to her air conditioner overheated. She was not home at the time of the fire and was uninjured.
The American Red Cross is assisting the woman, as the home sustained heavy fire damage and will likely have to be demolished. That fire was also ruled accidental.
