Two separate fires in Chatham-Kent have claimed the lives of four dogs.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue reported two dogs were killed in a fire at 20 Churchill Park Road in Chatham on Friday night by a dryer fire in the basement
Fire officials estimated the damage caused by the blaze, which is believed to have been caused by a clothes dryer, is $100,000.
Fire crews reported heavy smoke when they arrived at the scene just before 10 p.m. on Friday. The homeowners made it out of the house, but the two dogs were still upstairs inside the home.
"Visibility was poor with smoke level down to the floor, but the firefighters were able to locate the seat of the fire and knock it down quickly," said CK Fire. "Crews completed a primary search and located the two dogs. The dogs were rescued but unfortunately were not able to be resuscitated."
The homeowners were transported by paramedics to the hospital due to smoke inhalation, according to CK Fire officials.
CK Fire noted a leading cause of dryer fires in homes is the lack of dryer maintenance.
"Residents are reminded to clean the lint screen after each load of laundry and regularly remove lint from metal ducts and exhaust vents," said CK Fire.
They also remind the public to regularly inspect the air exhaust to ensure it is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is operating.
CK Fire also reported two more dogs perished in a mobile home fire in Bothwell on Sunday morning.
Fire officials said they received a call on Sunday just after 8:30 a.m. about a fully engulfed mobile home at 29737 Zone 7 Road in Bothwell.
The mobile home had an attached garage and add-on buildings, along with a camping trailer. The camping trailer had already collapsed from the flames when crews arrived, according to fire officials.
The tenants of the trailers were not hurt, said CK Fire.
Fire officials added that crews had to use a three-tanker shuttle to control the blaze.
"Heavy equipment was eventually brought to the scene to pull apart the collapsed structure and complete fire extinguishment. Public Works assisted with clearing roads and salting in a rotation following the tanker shuttles. EMS and Hydro One were also on scene," added CK Fire.
CK Fire listed the cause of the mobile home fire as undetermined.
