Michigan dog accidentally starts house fire while trying to grab food from counter

LAKE ORION, Mich. — A counter surfing golden retriever accidentally started a fire in a Michigan home’s kitchen and became the poster dog for National Pet Fire Safety Day.

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Richard Venya left to take his children to school when Finn, their golden retriever, decided to grab some food from the counter, WJBK reported.

Home surveillance video shows that when Finn was atop the island countertop, he accidentally turned on a gas burner, starting a fire.

An ADT monitoring center was alerted to the fire and called 911 and Venya, WWJ reported. The Orion Township Fire Rescue responded. Firefighters were able to rescue Finn and other pets in the house and extinguish the flames.

National Pet Fire Safety Day, which was Thursday, is to remind owners to have a plan for their pets in case of a fire, according to the American Kennel Club.

The security company said on Thursday it was making a $5,000 contribution to the fire department. It will also give the department pet alert stickers for home windows, WJBK reported.

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