Increase in Pet-Related Fire Accidents
Cases of Electric Stove Activation by Stepping
Not Covered by Pet Insurance, Caution Advised
A cat has been identified as the cause of a fire accident at an officetel in Seogwipo City, Jeju. As fire accidents caused by pets are increasing, special caution is required since domestic pet insurance currently does not cover such incidents.
According to the Seogwipo Fire Station on the 22nd, a fire broke out at an officetel in Seogwi-dong, Seogwipo City at around 7:16 a.m. and was extinguished within 20 minutes. Although there were no casualties, the interior of the building was burned, and an electric range and other items were destroyed. The fire department estimated property damage of about 6.8 million KRW.
The fire authorities pointed to a cat as the cause of the fire. It is believed that the cat triggered the electric range while walking over it, turning it on and causing the fire. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
Electric Ranges Can Be Operated by Dogs and Cats’ Paws, Leading to Frequent Accidents
April 2021 Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters' 'Pet Electric Stove Fire Reenactment Experiment' [Photo by Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters]
With the recent increase in households raising pets, related fire accidents have been occurring frequently.
In September last year, at an officetel in Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, a cat turned on the electric range while the owner was out, igniting a roll of toilet paper placed on the range. This caused property damage amounting to 1.19 million KRW.
In the same month, a fire broke out at an officetel in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, when a cat turned on the electric range while the owner was away.
In April 2021, the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters conducted a 'Pet Electric Range Fire Reenactment Experiment' which confirmed that dogs and cats can easily operate the power button and heat adjustment buttons of electric ranges with their paws.
If a dishcloth or other items are left on the electric range and a pet presses the power button while the owner is out or asleep, the fire can easily spread, often leading to a fire accident.
Cats, in particular, like high places and can easily climb onto kitchen sinks, so extra caution is necessary.
According to statistics from the Seoul Fire & Disaster Headquarters, there were 107 fires caused by cats operating electric ranges from 2019 to November 2021. Half of these occurred when the owners were not present.
As a result, electric ranges equipped with 'pet lock devices' have recently been introduced to the market.
Be Careful of Scented Candles and Damaged Wires as Well
Another major cause of pet-related fire accidents is candles such as scented candles. Pets may accidentally knock over candles after being attracted by the flickering flame, which can lead to fires.
Additionally, pet hair or excrement can enter electrical outlets causing short circuits and fires, or pets may damage wires causing short circuits or disconnections. In such cases, it is necessary to frequently clean outlets and cover wires to prevent pets from chewing on them.
According to the National Fire Agency, there were a total of 338 fire incidents caused by pets nationwide from 2019 to 2021, resulting in 7 injuries and property damage worth 1.5 billion KRW. The number of fire incidents was 108 in 2019, 103 in 2020, and 127 in 2021.
Last year, 157 fire accidents were recorded.
Pet-Related Fire Accidents Are Increasing... But Pet Insurance Coverage Is Still 'Lacking'
Meanwhile, although fire accidents caused by pets are on the rise, it is difficult to find coverage for such incidents in pet insurance policies designed for pets.
Pet insurance covers surgery and treatment costs when pets are sick, and for dogs, it covers compensation for damages caused by biting incidents.
Even if a fire accident is caused by a pet, the pet owner must compensate for the damage through their fire insurance, so special caution is required.
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