[Dailydrool] Preventing a fire

[The Goose Gaggle Giggle]

The idea of experiencing a fire such as the Honnolds or the Pauls is just
horrible.  I haven't seen any posts identifying the cause, and this post is
not suggesting a cause of their fires.  This is just to suggest how to
prevent one type of fire.

Several years ago, a local rescue in NY experienced a very smoky fire.  The
humans were away from home and most of their animals were crated.  They lost
about half of their nearly 100 rescued animals.  The fire was started by a
wiring issue near the refrigerator.  The fire fed on the amount of hair that
had accumulated under the refrigerator.  That was the cause of most of the
smoke.  

When you're cleaning, especially if you have multiple pets, remember to pull
out the refrigerator and clean up the hair.  Check under the stove and
behind the washer/dryer - anywhere hair could accumulate.  Use a corner
style vacuum attachment to reach, and if the appliances don't pull out, use
a stick or other flat item to rake out as much dirt and hair as you can.  I
do this at least once a month, and try to remember to do it every time I
vacuum.  

The couple and their remaining animals - about 20 dogs, a few rabbits, a cat
or two, and a six-foot boa constrictor - lived in our guest cottage for six
weeks after the fire.  The boa lived in the shower - shudder!  Luckily their
house had more smoke damage than fire damage, and they were able to move
back.  

Any other ideas out there on preventing a fire with multiple animals?