Fargo, North Dakota House Fire Blamed on Dog

FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- An early morning fire that damaged a house here is being blamed on a dog.

Assistant Fire Chief Dean Meyer said the ``freak accident'' started when the dog knocked over a charcoal grill Tuesday night. Family members swept up the mess, but one of the hot embers smoldered next to the house's wood foundation until it ignited a fire around 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Residents were awakened by a smoke alarm and got out of the house safely, and fire crews quickly knocked down the blaze. Officials said the fire burned a hole in the wall and caused smoke damage.