Four pets are dead after a tragic electrical fire at a family home on Coalshute Rd., investigators determined Wednesday, Oct. 7.
The homeowners and their two school-aged children were not inside when a neighbour reported the fire to Grand Forks’ Fire and Rescue shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday.
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The fire started in the basement, where a heat lamp overhanging a pet turtle’s terrarium likely fell onto a wooden table, Deputy Fire Chief Rich Piché told The Gazette.
Flames spread to a nearby wall, reaching the ceiling as Piché joined Grand Forks’ fire crews on-scene.
Piché then called for backup from Christina Lake Fire and Rescue, whose crews helped to put out the fire.
The family is receiving support from the Canadian Red Cross, he said.
They are grieving the loss of two dogs, a cat and their pet turtle after the animals tragically succumbed to smoke inhalation inside the home.
The family’s second cat is still believed to be in the area.
No firefighters were hurt in Tuesday’s fire.
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