OCALA, Fla. — Marion County Fire Rescue says it has responded to more fires involving pets in recent years, a trend officials attribute in part to the county’s continued growth.
The department’s comments come on National Pet Fire Safety Day, an annual observance intended to raise awareness about the risks pets can face during house fires and the steps that can help reduce those risks.
National scope, local concern
An estimated 1,000 house fires nationwide are started by pets each year. More than half a million pets annually are affected by fires through displacement, injury, or death.
Marion County Fire Rescue said that concern is becoming more local as the county grows, making pet fire safety a growing focus for first responders.
What officials recommend
Sam Schulze, multimedia technician with Marion County Fire Rescue, said the department encourages residents to follow guidance from both emergency responders and animal services…