MUSCATINE, Iowa — In many Muscatine homes, pets aren’t just companions — they’re family. On National Pet Fire Safety Day, the Muscatine Fire Department is encouraging residents to take simple steps that protect their four-legged family members long before an emergency happens. Their message is straightforward: planning for pets is planning for family.
The American Humane Society reports that more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year, and around 1,000 fires are accidentally started by pets themselves.
Firefighters say one of the most common moments during an emergency is hearing a resident call out a pet’s name as crews arrive.
“Pets are part of our families, and we think about them in every fire response,” said Muscatine Fire Chief Mike Hartman. “When residents prepare ahead of time, it helps us reach their animals faster and more safely.”
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Hartman emphasized that residents should never delay their own escape or put themselves in danger to rescue a pet. Once outside, let firefighters know if an animal is still inside and where it may be hiding.
Preventing pet-related fires at home
Open flames are one of the most common ways pets accidentally start fires. The Fire Department encourages families to:
- Use flameless candles or keep candles and fireplaces supervised.
- Cover or remove stove knobs and discourage pets from climbing near cooking areas.
- Secure loose wires so curious pets can’t chew them.
- Avoid placing glass water bowls on wooden decks, where sunlight can create enough heat to start a fire — use ceramic or stainless-steel bowls instead.
Helping firefighters find your pets quickly
Pets often hide when they’re scared, making rescue more challenging. Knowing your pet’s favorite hiding spots can help firefighters locate them faster.
Muscatine Fire also recommends:
- Placing pet alert window clings on your front window to show how many pets live in your home.
- Keeping leashes, carriers, or crates near exits so firefighters can guide animals out quickly.
- Making sure collar tags and microchip information are up to date in case a pet escapes during a fire.
- Installing smoke detectors connected to emergency response services so help is dispatched even when pets are home alone.
“We’ve seen dogs wedge themselves behind furniture and cats disappear into closets,” Hartman said. “That’s why simple steps — like keeping leashes by the door or using pet alert window clings — matter more than people realize.”
Firefighters also remind residents that smoke is the biggest threat to animals. Pets have smaller lungs, and even a small amount of smoke can overwhelm them quickly.
How fires affect pets
- Smoke danger — smaller lungs make pets more vulnerable.
- Instinct to hide — animals often retreat under beds, behind furniture, or into closets.
- Heat disorientation — rising temperatures can confuse pets and make escape routes harder to find.
Community actions that help firefighters
- Pet alert window clings give crews a head start.
- Escape plans that include pets reduce confusion during emergencies.
- Leashes and carriers near exits help firefighters guide animals out quickly.
- Securing candles, cords, and appliances prevents accidental fires.
Muscatine firefighters say they’ve seen firsthand how preparation changes outcomes. In recent calls, families with window clings or crates near exits helped crews locate pets within seconds.
“We’re partners with the community,” Hartman said. “When residents take these steps, it allows us to act faster and gives pets a better chance.”
A day to put pets first
National Pet Fire Safety Day is an opportunity for Muscatine families to talk about safety, update escape plans, and make sure every member of the household — including the furry ones — is protected.
“Preparation saves lives,” firefighters said. “If today inspires even one family to make a change, that’s a win for the whole community.”
Whether it’s checking smoke alarms, reviewing escape routes, or simply moving a pet bed closer to an exit, small actions today can make a life-saving difference tomorrow.
National Pet Fire Safety Day is observed annually on July 15. Founded by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security, the day raises awareness about preventing pet-started fires and ensuring animal safety in emergencies.
