Colorado Springs, United States - June 26, 2024

A Colorado Springs homeowner narrowly averted disaster last week when his quick actions extinguished a fire sparked by his curious pet dog.

The incident unfolded around 4:45 a.m. on June 26 in southeast Colorado Springs, prompting a response from the Colorado Springs Fire Department to the 1600 block of Rushmore Drive. Fire crews arrived to find evidence of a fire but no active smoke or flames, thanks to the homeowner's swift intervention.

According to officials, the family's dog inadvertently activated a stove burner early in the morning, causing items left on the stove to catch fire. The homeowner managed to douse the flames before firefighters arrived, although he was later hospitalized for precautionary checks due to smoke inhalation.

After reviewing home security footage and speaking with the residents, the Colorado Springs Fire Department confirmed that the dog had jumped on the stove, triggering the burner and igniting nearby items. The incident also activated a high heat alert on the family's Apple HomePod.

The CSFD used the opportunity to stress the importance of functional smoke detectors, keeping stoves clear of flammable materials, and ensuring multiple escape routes in every home.