RENO (AP) - A Reno-area homeowner was left homeless and at least one cat was killed in a fire Thursday that apparently was started by pet dogs, fire investigators said.
The dogs turned on a stove's gas burners as they attempted to get to items that were on the stovetop while the owner was away, Reno Fire Department spokesman Steve Frady said. The gas burner controls were either on the front or top of the stove, he said.
"They're just pawing trying to get to something, and apparently they tipped those controls into the on position," Frady said. "It's not something that happens every day."
One cat was killed in the 1:15 p.m. blaze, and eight other pet cats haven't been located.
Three dogs were inside the older, double-wide mobile home at the time and escaped unharmed when firefighters entered it, he said. The breeds of the dogs weren't immediately known.
The fire caused major damage to the Sun Valley home's kitchen and roof, investigators said, and left the owner homeless.