2 dogs die in North Rustico fire

The P.E.I. Fire Marshal's Office says an unattended stove is to blame for a fire in North Rustico on Canada Day.

Two dogs died in the fire, and the homeowners were taken to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

"Two of the homeowners, when they returned, they tried to rescue their pets," said deputy fire marshal John Chisholm.

"Unfortunately the two pets passed away as a result of smoke inhalation."

One firefighter was also taken to hospital complaining about breathing issues after the fire.

The fire itself was contained to the kitchen, but there was extensive smoke damage throughout the house.The Fire Marshal's Officehas ruled the fire accidental.

The fire marshal is reminding Islanders that unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen, and offered the following tips.

Preventing a fire

• Be alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.

If you have a fire

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, just get out.
• When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

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