Dog starts house fire in Belcamp

The owners of a Belcamp home were away when their dog, Bo, jumped onto the kitchen counter Thursday afternoon and turned on the toaster. What happened next cost them everything inside.

The toaster ignited nearby combustibles, and by the time the Abingdon Fire Company arrived at 4319 Foxglove Court, the single-family home was well into a structure fire. Thirty firefighters brought it under control in 20 minutes. The house sustained extensive damage from fire, soot, smoke, and water. Preliminary estimates put the loss at $150,000 to the structure and another $50,000 in contents.

No one was home. Neighbors managed to get Bo out, along with another dog named Addie. A third dog, Dakota, and two cats did not survive.

Deputy State Fire Marshals were able to pinpoint the kitchen as the area of origin, and the exact sequence of events, because a Ring security camera recorded it. The fire is classified as accidental.

Fire Safety Tip: Unplug toasters when not in use.