The Pooch Who Ruined Christmas: Naughty dog sets bedroom on fire after jumping on bed and turning on hairdryer on Christmas Eve
- A dog set fire to a bedroom after jumping on the bed and turning on a hair dryer
- Firefighters were called to Hockley after reports of a smoke-filled house
- The dog and homeowner were treated for smoke inhalation after the fire
- Essex Fire Services issued a warning to unplug equipment after the incident
A dog set a bedroom on fire on Christmas Eve after jumping on the bed and accidentally turning on a hairdryer.
Firefighters were called to Hockley, Essex, after reports of a smoky house and found the blaze in the bedroom.
The homeowner was out and returned to find her house filled with smoke after the dog turned on the hair device and the bed and mattress caught fire.
The naughty pooch was waiting by the front door when she got home and both were treated for smoke inhalation.
A dog set a bedroom on fire on Christmas Eve after jumping on the bed and accidentally turning on a hairdryer
Pictures show the bedroom badly damaged by the fire and a badly burned striped mattress.
Essex Fire Brigade Superintendent Gary Shinn said: “The homeowner was out and came back to find her house full of smoke.
“We believe the fire started because a hairdryer was plugged in and left on a bed.
“We believe the dog then jumped onto the bed and turned on the hair dryer, eventually landing on the sheets and mattress.
“Once you’re done using electrical appliances like hair dryers and straighteners, please take a moment to turn them off.
Pictures show the bedroom badly damaged by the fire and a badly burned striped mattress
“The homeowner didn’t think for a moment that her dog would turn on the blow dryer, but when you unplug something, you have that certainty.”
In a tweet, the fire service also said: “An unusual accident caused a fire at Hockley today. A dog jumped onto a bed and turned on a hair dryer, eventually landing on the mattress.”
Concerned about the dog and family, people on social media sent their well wishes.
One user said the incident was the reason for her paranoia, apparently in relation to turning off devices.