Pets Spark 1,000 House Fires Every Year

Today is the third annual National Pet Fire Safety Day. Some awareness days are more meaningful than others, but this one, started by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services, is worth some attention.

As someone who shares my home with animals, house fires easily rank among my top five worst nightmares. And with good reason — just yesterday, a home in Oregon burnt to the ground with five animals inside. It's estimated that half a million pets are affected by house fires every year. As many as 1,000 fires annually are started by companion animals.

The number one way that your cat or dog becomes a firebug is by turning on the stove. The AKC tells the story of Chris and Kay Wardlow whose dog wanted to check out a cake that had been left on the stovetop and her paws hit the knob, turning on the gas burner. Some of my friends have laughed at the plastic childproof bubbles over the knobs on my stove, but after the day my dog walker came into my house to find it reeking of gas from the burners (most likely turned on by my cat, Wild Bill), I've rested a lot easier knowing that the appliance will stay off until someone with opposable thumbs is ready to cook. You can also remove the knobs on your stove to prevent accidental ignition.

The next big danger — and perhaps the most obvious — is an open flame. That goes for fireplaces and candles. Never leave your pet unattended around open flames and make sure any flames are fully extinguished before leaving the house. Fireplaces should be covered by a grate or screen and candles should be where you can keep an eye on them at all times. You may also want to consider flameless candles for mood lighting. The flickering bulb may not be as romantic, but it's a lot safer.

Now for the less obvious. You know that sadistic hobby some kids have of using a magnifying glass to torch ants? Glass water bowls left outside on wooden decks can have the same effect. Sunlight filters through the glass, heats the water, and sets the wood beneath on fire. If you keep a bowl outside for your pets, stick with stainless steel or ceramic.

There are a few things you can do to keep your pets safe from fire when you're not home. Prevent potential disasters by keeping curious pets away from fire hazards. Kitchens are a tempting place to keep young puppies since the floors are easily cleaned, but that also means the puppy is closing to appliances that could start fires.

The Wardlows had an ADT-monitored smoke detector, so when their dog turned on the stove, the fire department was alerted in time to save the house and the pup. Systems that are connected to emergency responders add a layer of protection that's not provided by battery-operated smoke detectors. (However, it's a good idea to make sure that,  at the very least, you have smoke detectors of some kind and test them monthly to make sure they're working properly.)

Also, make it easy for firefighters to rescue your pets. Keep their collars on and keep them in areas that are easy to access. You can order a free window cling from ADT to alert firefighters that there are pets inside, and how many to look for. You can also get free Pet Fire Safety Window Clings today at volunteer firehouses nationwide, thanks to the National Volunteer Fire Council.

Photo credit: Dayna Hilton (Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog is a rescued dalmatian who now helps educate kids about fire safety.)