Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is warning pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets after a dog accidentally started a fire in a Margate home. The fire, which occurred on 16 October in Brooke Avenue, is believed to have been triggered when Herbie, the family dog, jumped onto the kitchen worktop and switched on a toaster.
The family’s smoke alarms sounded quickly, alerting a 12-year-old boy inside the house. He was able to exit the house safely with Herbie and called the fire service. KFRS dispatched two fire engines to the scene, and firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets to control and extinguish the flames.
During their search, firefighters discovered the family’s cat, Mush, unconscious between two pillows. Crews used a pet oxygen mask to successfully revive the black cat, who had inhaled smoke during the incident. Despite their efforts, the kitchen was destroyed, and other parts of the home suffered damage from heat and smoke.
The family expressed their gratitude to the fire service and praised the quick-thinking actions of their son. “He reacted so quickly to the smoke alarms and knew that he had to get out of the house, and was able to get Herbie out too. We had no idea that Herbie jumping up could cause such damage, and we want to share our story to raise awareness,” they said.
KFRS Area Manager for Customer Safety, Suzanna Chisholm, highlighted the importance of working smoke alarms and advised pet owners to take precautions. “The swift actions of this young man undoubtedly made a huge difference, saving his pets and preventing further damage to his home. This incident shows that even pets can unintentionally start kitchen fires,” she said. “To reduce the risk of electrical fires, we recommend switching off and unplugging electrical items when not in use and closing kitchen doors if possible.”
This incident is one of 28 pet-related kitchen fires KFRS has responded to in the past three years, underscoring the need for pet owners to remain vigilant and to secure potentially dangerous appliances.
