Dale City, Va. –– One man’s attempt to burn a dead dog lead to his house catching fire.
Fire and rescue crews were called to a home in the 4500 block of Kingston Road in Dale City at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday.
Smoke billowed from the front of the two-story home, and fire crews also found flames in the rear of the house that extended into the attic, said Prince William Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chief Joseph Robertson.
Crews were able to douse the flames which caused an estimated $70,000 in damage, but what crews they found next was a bit unusual.
The homeowner had tried to burn the body of a deceased Rottweiler that died sometime last week. In the back yard, the homeowner placed the dog’s body next to wood and used an accelerant for the fire.
However, fire accelerant pooled near the house and spread caught the structure on fire, said Robertson.
No one was injured, but the American Red Cross was called to assist the homeowner.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
