MOOSIC, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Pennsylvania State Police fire investigators have ruled a residential fire in Moosic Heights accidental after determining it likely started when a gas stove was unintentionally turned on.
According to a public information report released by state police, the fire occurred on December 29 at a home along 6th Street in Moosic Borough, Lackawanna County. Troopers from the State Police Fire Marshal Unit were called in to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.
Investigators found that the residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire, but a dog and two cats were inside. The investigation determined that a knob on the front of a gas stove had been turned on, igniting combustible material on top of the appliance.
Fire officials believe the family dog may have accidentally activated the stove knob by placing its paws on the front of the stove. While no people were injured, authorities said the dog and both cats died in the fire.
State police concluded the fire was accidental in nature.