South Modesto residents learn the hard way not to put a heat lamp in a doghouse
A potential nightmare for south Modesto dog owners was averted Monday, thanks to their home’s proximity to a fire station, after a heat lamp in their pet’s doghouse ignited a fire.
Around 8 p.m. Monday, the dog’s owners approached Station 19, 830 Pecos Ave., across the street from their home to seek firefighters’ assistance, according to the Modesto Fire Department.
Engine 19 extinguished the doghouse, keeping the fire from spreading, Deputy Chief Darin Jesberg said. The dog and no humans were harmed in the blaze.
The doghouse was under a covered patio on the side of a home, Jesberg said. The fire left smoke stains on the house’s stucco.
If you have dogs who live outside and are not able to be brought inside, the American Kennel Club suggests investing in a heated dog bed and putting fitted sweaters and jackets on short-haired dogs.
Jesberg said the Fire Department doesn’t recommend heat lamps to be used in enclosed spaces.
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM.
