TWO daring dogs were caught out after accidentally turning on the gas hob and starting a fire while trying to reach freshly baked cupcakes.
The cheeky canines were home alone at the time of the incident on Tuesday, October 22, but thankfully a neighbour heard the smoke alarms and called 999 — Yeovil Fire Station crew arrived within five minutes.
Despite the home filling with thick smoke, firefighters were able to locate the two dogs using thermal imaging cameras.
Once rescued, the dogs were administered oxygen through masks specially designed for pets and were later "reunited safely with their worried owner".
Yeovil Fire Station said: "Yesterday Yeovil White Watch attended an incident where a couple of doggies who were home alone, jumped up in the kitchen to have a sneaky smell of some delicious, freshly baked cupcakes when they inadvertently turned the gas hob on.
"Unbeknownst to our canine friends, a small but progressive fire was starting to build due to a tea towel on the hob, filling their home with thick smoke.
"Thankfully the owners had working smoke alarms and although only the dogs were in the property, the alarms were heard by a vigilant neighbour who confirmed there was a fire and immediately called 999.
"Crews arrived within 5 minutes, donned breathing apparatus and forced entry into the property, located the dogs using a thermal imaging camera and rescued them to a place of safety."
The fire service thanked Smokey Paws Charity for providing the pet oxygen masks it used on the dogs in this emergency.
Yeovil Fire Station added: "The fire was dealt with and the property ventilated using a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan.
"Working smoke alarms do save lives, do yours work? When did you last test them?"
Following the incident, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reminded pet owners: "Our animal friends can be responsible for accidents involving fire, prevent them from getting into areas or close proximity where fire can become a risk to your home."
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