It’s giving absolute tragedy in Rough and Ready, California. A family is dealing with a nightmare situation after their home was completely destroyed in a massive fire that started in the most unexpected way possible.
According to a GoFundMe set up for the family, their 9-year-old blind German shepherd was lowkey just trying to reach a box of burrito wrappers on the stove. In the process, the dog accidentally turned the stovetop on. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the ceiling and attic last Thursday.
While the mom, Martina, and her three sons are safe, the vibes are definitely off as they deal with the aftermath. Sadly, their two beloved dogs did not survive the blaze. On top of the loss of their pets, almost all of their possessions—including clothes, toys, and furniture—were ruined by fire, smoke, and soot.
This isn't even the first time a pet has caused this kind of chaos. Back in July, a dog in Maryland accidentally turned on a toaster by jumping on the counter, leading to a fire that destroyed a home and killed three pets. The plot thickens as households realize how dangerous curious pets can be near appliances.
Why it matters
This is a brutal reminder to always double-check that your stove dials are locked or removed if you have curious pets at home. The family is currently working to rebuild their lives, with their fundraiser already hitting $3,000 of its $4,000 goal to help cover the essentials they lost. If you're a pet owner, take this as a sign to pet-proof your kitchen ASAP.
