A potential catastrophe had a happy ending in Parma, thanks to some quick-thinking humans.
A mail carrier passing a Parma residence heard smoke alarms, saw smoke in the living room, and called 911. Police arrived quickly, followed shortly by fire department personnel. The police entered the house and discovered the stove was lit, and a pan of burned food was on the surface. The only family member at home was a Doberman-mix puppy named Apollo.
Police officer Breanna Smith found him hiding under a table, took him out of the house, and got him to calm down.
The homeowner arrived within minutes, saying she had gone to pick up her child from daycare, saw the fire trucks, hoped it wasn't her house—and arrived to discover it was. She said she was grateful no damage had been done, and thanked the first responders for their quick thinking.
The homeowner also helped solve the mystery of how the fire started. Apollo seems to have jumped the gate separating the kitchen from the rest of the house, and from there, attempted to jump onto the stove to get something to eat. He may have turned the burner on during this escapade.
The homeowner said that she really does not want to put him in a crate each time she leaves the premises, but from now on, he will definitely be shut safely in another room.
Although most people understand how to avoid fires and what to do if they occur, this advice can be forgotten in the event of an emergency. Striking examples of poster printing can help reinforce messages.
