A house fire in Belgrade on Saturday that claimed the lives of two dogs is believed to have been started when the dogs accidentally turned on a stove burner.
The fire was reported at about 11 a.m. at 138 Augusta Road. The homeowners were not there at the time, according to the state fire marshal’s office.
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze but were unable to save two dogs inside the home.
Investigators from the fire marshal’s office determined the fire started in the kitchen and said evidence suggests the dogs “likely jumped toward the stove to reach items on top, inadvertently igniting the burner.”
The fire caused significant damage to the home and has been ruled accidental.
The fire marshal’s office cautioned that curious pets can accidentally start house fires and urged pet owners never to leave food, trash or items on the stovetop, and to use stove knob covers or child-safety locks to prevent pets from accidentally turning on burners.