It appears a heat lamp used to keep a lizard warm may have been the cause of a major house fire that killed several pets Sunday morning in Addison Township.
Firefighters were called to 725 Freedom Lane at 9:32 a.m. after a neighbor spotted the blaze and called it in.
‘The entire front of the house was fully involved with fire burning through the roof,? according to Addison Fire Chief George Spencer.
Extensive fire, smoke and water damage was sustained throughout the approximately 1,800-square-foot single-story home with attached garage and basement, located west of Hagerman Rd. and north of Quatro Lane.
Although no dollar estimate of the damage was available, Spencer said the home is most likely a total loss and was insured for $198,000.
Five dogs, a cat and a Bearded Dragon (a type of exotic pet lizard) were killed in the blaze, but fortunately one dog was saved.
Addison Fire Lt. Dave Edwards found the pooch hiding under a bed during a primary search of the home.
The lucky dog was returned to the homeowner ‘fine and healthy,? according to Spencer. Firefighters also managed to save some of the homeowner’s personal belongings.
Although the cause of the blaze is being looked into by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Unit, Spencer said it appears to be an accidental at this point.
Apparently, the electric heat lamp used to keep the Bearded Dragon warm either malfunctioned or was knocked over by one of the other pets and came into contact with a combustible material, according to the chief.
A small foyer area where the dragon’s glass tank was located appeared to be fire’s area of origin, Spencer said. The home’s front door leads directly into this foyer.
Despite all the damage and loss of animal life, the chief was complimentary of his crew, which had the fire under control within 20 minutes of their arrival.
‘The first crew put a line in through the front door right in the throat of the fire (and) knocked it down pretty quickly,? Spencer said. ‘For what we found when we got here, the guys did an awesome job.?
Spencer reminded people to never leave heat sources (i.e. dryers, candles, electric heaters, etc.) unattended anywhere in the home, especially when pets are present.
‘Pets are an unpredictable factor and can easily knock something combustible onto an unattended heat source,? the chief said. ‘Before you know it, the fire department’s sitting in your driveway.?
Always make sure heat sources are secure and cannot come into contact with any combustible materials, Spencer noted.
The Oxford Fire Department sent an engine, tanker and manpower to assist Addison.
While Addison was on scene, Oakland Township firefighters covered calls at Station #2 in Lakeville.