Black Lab Accidentally Turns On Stovetop Burners; Dog And Owner OK

The curious nose and insatiable appetite of a dog named Tug are believed to be behind a small fire that occurred in an east-side home.
 
A resident was a bit confused when she pulled into her driveway and couldn’t get her garage door to open. She parked outside and entered the house through the back door. That's when she found smoke throughout the home and the front of her microwave was melted. Luckily, her black lab was not sick or injured. She took the dog outside, called 911, and awaited the arrival of Engine 5.
 
The crew found burned plastic and cardboard food containers on the range top of the stove. There was also fire damage to the surrounding backsplash and countertop, along with damage to the nearby microwave. There were no active flames seen by the resident or by firefighters. 
 
Certain breakers in the electrical box had been tripped – among them, the breaker for the garage door. Additionally, the push-button controls of the 1960s-era General Electric stove had been activated, with one burner set to “HI” and another set to “3” or “LO.” (See photograph for an example; this is not a picture of the actual stove.)
 
The homeowner believes the dog put its front paws on the range top in an effort to get to the food that had been sitting there. Coincidentally, in jumping up, it’s believed the dog accidentally turned on the burners.
 
Firefighters overhauled the area around the range top and the cupboards, and removed the fan above the range, to ensure fire wasn’t festering. The attic and basement were also checked for fire extension.
 
It was noted that neither of the smoke detectors in the home activated during this incident. Firefighters determined they were inoperable and would need to be replaced.
 
The resident was able to stay in her home despite the damages.

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