UK family's pet dog accidentally starts kitchen fire by turning on toaster

Fortunately, the family's smoke alarm alerted their 12-year-old son, prompting him to rush outside with the dog, Herbie.

In Short

• A UK family's pet dog starts kitchen fire by turning on toaster
• Smoke alarm alerts 12-year-old boy who escapes with dog
• Firefighters extinguish blaze, rescue unconscious cat

A dog accidentally ignited a kitchen fire in a home in Kent, UK, by jumping onto the worktop and turning on the toaster.

Fortunately, the family’s smoke alarm alerted their 12-year-old son, prompting him to rush outside with the dog, Herbie.

In the meantime, the Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called, dispatching two fire engines and crews who used breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

However, the family’s pet cat – Mush - was discovered by the fire crews unconscious, as it hid between two pillows in a bid to escape the chaos, Metro reports. A pet oxygen mask was used by firefighters to resuscitate her.

Meanwhile, the kitchen was completely destroyed in the blaze, while other areas of the property suffered significant damage from heat and smoke. The fire service's volunteer response team, meanwhile, arrived at the spot to support the family, assisting them in securing alternative temporary accommodation after the devastating fire.

As per the report published by Metro, the family expressed gratitude to Kent Fire and Rescue Service and also praised their son for his prompt response.

“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 didn’t realise that Herbie jumping up could result in so much damage, and that pets could accidentally start fires this way. So we want to share what has happened to raise awareness,” the family said.