Dog Accidentally Switched-On Hair Dryer, Set House On Fire in UK: Fire Service

A dog allegedly started a fire in a UK house after accidentally turning on a hairdryer on December 24. Essex Fire Service was called to Hockley on Saturday evening after receiving reports of a smoke-filled house.

According to Essex Fire Service, a woman returned home in the evening to find her house filled with smoke and her dog sitting outside the front door. The fire officials believe that the dog jumped onto a bed, unknowingly turning on a hair dryer left plugged in on top of the bed by the woman. This eventually caused it to catch alight to the bedding and mattress.

Firefighters found the blaze in the bedroom and made quick efforts to extinguish it. 

A freak accident caused a fire in Hockley today. A dog jumped on a bed and turned a hairdryer on, eventually causing it to catch alight to the mattress.

Once you've finished with any electrical appliances please unplug them.

Incident details ➡️ https://t.co/BSDEjBN9pO pic.twitter.com/nmoSyAL3si

— Essex Fire Service (@ECFRS) December 24, 2022

Manager Gary Shinn urged the UK public to turn off their appliances after use to avoid such instances. He said in a press release, "Once you've finished with any electrical appliances such as hairdryers and straighteners please take a moment to unplug them."

"The homeowner wouldn't have thought for one moment her dog would turn on the hairdryer, but unplugging something just gives you that peace of mind," Mr Shinn further added. 

Also Read: Dogs Help Owners During Covid In China By Collecting Food, Running Errands

The owner and the dog both received treatment for smoke inhalation.

A few months ago, it was reported that a house in Missouri, US, burst into flames after a dog managed to turn on the stove in the kitchen. Despite the fact that both canines were saved, the inside of the house showed significant damage in the photographs shared on social media.