OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to take extra precautions to keep their pets — and their homes — safe following new data showing that animals contribute to hundreds of accidental fires each year.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, pets or wild animals are responsible for an estimated 750 accidental home fires annually. Many of these incidents occur when animals come into contact with everyday household items such as stovetops, space heaters, electrical cords, and candles.

State officials noted a striking example: In 2024, Washington recorded 1,173 fires caused by open flames such as candles. While not all of these were linked to pets, the high number underscores the risks posed when animals are near burning or heated objects. Even routine pet curiosity can quickly turn hazardous.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers emphasized the importance of preventative steps to reduce the risk of pet-related fires. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends keeping pets away from cooking areas, securing electrical cords, using fireplace screens, and never leaving animals unattended near candles or lamps. Flameless candles, officials noted, are a safer alternative for pet-friendly homes.

Residents are also advised to create a three-foot “pet-free zone” around fireplaces and to remember that glass doors and vents can remain dangerously hot long after a fire is out.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages households to review fire safety practices regularly to protect both pets and families.

For more information, contact Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers at (360) 596-3904 or fpbpio@wsp.wa.gov.