BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A Florida man managed to escape his home when it burst into flames early Monday because his dog woke him up, authorities said.
According to Hernando County Fire & Emergency Services, firefighters responded to a residential fire around 4:25 a.m., WFLA reported. Crews reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a single-wide manufactured home, the television station reported.
Officials said the dog managed to rouse the homeowner, allowing both of them to escape.
The owner told fire officials that he had a fire going in the fireplace, and believes that a log rolled out, igniting the floor of the home, according to a post on the Hernando County Fire & Emergency Services’ Facebook page.
Fire officials said there were no working smoke detectors in the residence, WTSP reported.
The fire was under control by 5:15 a.m., but firefighters said severe damages resulted in a total loss, WTVT reported.
“(We) would like to remind the community (to) change smoke detector batteries twice a year and conduct routine fire risk assessment on your homes,” Hernando County Fire & Emergency Services said in a statement. “Fireplaces should be properly maintained and have protective screens to prevent sparks and debris from escaping.”