The family were out of the house when a fire broke out inside.
Footage from a home security camera helped investigators piece together exactly how the blaze started.
Devastating consequences
The family's dog, Bo, had jumped up onto the kitchen worktop and accidentally switched on the toaster. The appliance then set alight some items that had been left nearby. Sadly, the fire spread through the house at frightening speed. Emergency services responded quickly, sending around 30 firefighters to bring the flames under control, which they managed to do in about 20 minutes.
Thanks to the quick thinking of several neighbours, Bo and a second dog, Addie, were rescued in time. Tragically, the family's third dog, Dakota, along with two cats, didn't survive the fire. The material damage was severe too, with losses running into several hundred thousand dollars once you factor in the house itself and everything inside it.
An important reminder
Investigators concluded that it was a domestic accident. It's a timely reminder that pets can unintentionally switch on cooking appliances, knock over candles, or damage electrical equipment.
With that in mind, here are a few simple precautions worth taking: never leave flammable items on hobs or near electrical appliances, make sure smoke alarms are fitted and in good working order, and secure the controls on any equipment when pets are left home alone. Our thoughts are with the family as they come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.