• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Dog starts house fire after accidentally turning on microwave

6:27
News headlines today: Dec. 23, 2020
Bob Peterson/STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
ByJon Haworth
December 04, 2019, 8:39 AM

A dog in the United Kingdom inadvertently started a kitchen fire when it somehow managed to turn on a microwave in its owner’s home.

The husky who was home alone at the time of the incident turned on the microwave, which was positioned off the floor on the kitchen counter, which then ignited a bag of bread rolls that were being stored in the microwave at the time.

“Clearly, this is a very strange incident involving the man’s dog, but it could have been more serious,” said Geoff Wheal, Watch Manager at Corringham Fire Station in Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex.

Related Articles

(MORE: 88-year-old veteran rescues girl from pit bull attack using lawn ornament)

The dog’s owner was not in the two-story home at the time of the incident but realized that smoke was filling the kitchen when he checked a camera feed on his phone that he had set up in the home.

“When we arrived, the kitchen was filled with smoke,” said Wheal in a statement. “Firefighters ensured that the damage did not spread beyond the kitchen area -- but it demonstrates that microwaves shouldn’t be used to store food when they aren’t in use.”

The Essex County Fire & Rescue Service used this bizarre incident to serve as a reminder to the public about safety hazards in the home.

Related Articles

(MORE: 3-month-old puppy recovering after reportedly being lit on fire with blowtorch)

“Our advice is to always keep your microwave clean and free of clutter or food and any packaging. Animals or children can turn them on more easily than you might think -- so please don’t run the risk,” they said in a statement.

The husky, who remains unnamed, was not harmed in the incident.

Up Next in News—

Seasonal job hiring at Amazon, UPS, Spirit Halloween surging

October 22, 2026

27-year-old man credited for saving kids, driver in runaway school bus

October 22, 2026

Elizabeth Holmes documentary: What to know, how to watch

October 15, 2026

Crew begins search for Amelia Earhart on remote island

October 14, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News