Photo provided by the St. Thomas Fire Department. Photo provided by the St. Thomas Fire Department.
London

Dog dies in fire caused by discarded cigarettes

Despite the best efforts of firefighters, a family dog died after fire broke out in a St. Thomas home.

Just after 10 p.m. Tuesday, the St. Thomas Fire Department was called to home at 241 Forest Ave. after reports of smoke coming from the home. Fire crews were able to put the flames out quickly and the residents of the house were able to escape without injury. The fire department is crediting working smoke alarms for giving the residents time to escape.

However, a dog died despite efforts by firefighters to resuscitate it.

The fire department says the blaze, which was caused by the dumping of an ashtray into a garbage can, caused significant smoke and water damage to the home.

Donations for the residents of the home are being accepted. A family member says they are in need of the following items:

- Mens shirts, large to extra large - Mens pants, 34 waist 32 length - Mens pants, 32 waist 34 length - Womens shirts, small to medium - Womens pants, size 0 to 1 - Cat food - Gift cards for gas and other necessities

Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to call (548) 888-7020.

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