A family dog is partly to blame for a fire that claimed the lives of three pets and caused an estimated $200,000 in damage at a home in Harford County, Maryland.
The tragedy occurred last Friday at a house on Foxglove Court, Belcamp, while the owners were away.
The scene was captured by a home security camera, allowing investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the cause of the fire.
Pulled from Kim Schantz’s GoFundMe | Help the Ellis Family recover after a house fire
According to their analysis, the fire was accidental. Investigators determined that the family dog, Bo, jumped on the kitchen counter before activating the toaster, which allegedly ignited nearby combustible objects.
Neighbors fortunately managed to save Bo as well as another dog, Addie. However, the family must mourn a third dog, Dakota, and two cats, who perished in the fire.
The Ellis family is grieving the loss of their two cats and their dog, Dakota, who perished in the fire that ravaged their home.
Pulled from Kim Schantz’s GoFundMe | Help the Ellis Family recover after a house fire
It took the intervention of around thirty firefighters for around 20 minutes to control the flames.
Authorities said the residence suffered extensive fire, soot, smoke and water damage. Losses are estimated at approximately US$150,000 for the house and US$50,000 for the property located there.
Following the fire, a family member launched a GoFundMe campaign on Sunday to help the homeowners get through this ordeal and cover some emergency expenses.
“Although the insurance helps them rebuild their homes, the immediate needs are great. We are holding a fundraiser to help them cover essential expenses such as clothing, toiletries, bedding, food, dog supplies and other essentials as they adjust to temporary housing and begin the long process of rebuilding their lives,” it says on the fundraising page.
As of midday as of Tuesday, more than $16,400 US had already been raised to help the family.
