Data by the National Fire Protection Association says that pets start nearly 1,000 house fires each year!

Last Updated on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 by Gili Sethi

How to prevent your pets from accidentally starting a fire in your home?

Specialising in flameless tea light candles I was aware of the dangers presented by unattended open flames causing house fires, what I didn’t know was that number of fires caused each year by pets and how easy it is for them to start a fire with stove knobs!

As such I would like to join the American Kennel Club (AKC), ADT Security Services and the National Volunteer Fire Council to promote National Pet Fire Safety Day – which occurs every year on July 15th. The AKC has provided the following tips to help protect your loved ones and home from an accidental fire.

Tips to prevent your pet from starting an accidental house fire:

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, a stove or cook top is the number 1 piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire! Make sure you remove or protect with covers your stove knobs before leaving the house.
• Remember when you were young and you learnt that by using a magnifying glass you could start a fire? Well the same principal applies here with your pet’s glass water bowl on a wooden deck beneath it. When the sun’s rays filter through the water and glass they can heat up and ignite the wood. Use stainless steel or ceramic water bowls instead.
• Your furry friends can easily start a fire simply by knocking over a lit candle, it takes only seconds for a knocked over candle to create a serious fire danger to the safety of your pets and home. By swapping to flameless tea light candles you eliminate this danger whilst still being able to safely enjoy soft flickering candle light. Cats are especially notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
• Ensure that your pet is never left unattended around an open flame and make sure that any open flame is completely extinguished before leaving your home. Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace! No flame should ever be left unattended!

Tips to help keep your pets safe:

• Acquire a Pet Alert Window Decal from the ASPCA: This window decal alerts rescue personnel how many pets are inside your home and a number to call. The ASPAC safety pack also includes and Animal Poison Control Center Magnet, in case any of your pets get into something they shouldn’t!
• Consider monitored smoke detectors: Your pets can’t escape a burning home when alone, so by using monitored smoke detectors, emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not around in case of an emergency.
• Keep your pets secured near entrances while you’re out: Whilst pets are home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them. Also keep their collars on and their leashes near the front door in case your pet needs to be rescued.
• Keep young pets secured from potential fire-starting hazards: Young pets are curious by nature and so it’s wise to keep them in a secure area of your home or in a crate. This way they are far away from any household items that may start a fire.

Workplace Pet fire safety:

If your workplace allows you to bring your furry friends to work then pet fire safety in the workplace is also a priority. Trupanion and the Seattle Fire Department offer tips on how to create a fire evacuation plan in pet-friendly offices.

Media Contacts:
Lisa Peterson, American Kennel Club (212) 696-8360 or (203) 788-1951
Bob Tucker, ADT Security Services (561) 988-3619 or (561) 289-0436
Kimberly Ettinger, National Volunteer Fire Council (202) 887-5700 ext 19

Photo’s by ASPCA & ADT.