Cats Blamed for Kansas House Fire

LIBERAL, Kan. (AP) -- While their owner was away, two cats did play - with fire.

Liberal Fire Department investigators said a pair of cats started a fire inside a small southwest Kansas home by jumping onto a stove. Apparently, one of the cats ignited a burner by stepping on a push button.

Material on the stove caught fire, and flames spread to other areas of the kitchen and spread smoke throughout the house. Investigators said the homeowner was out of town, and the fire apparently burned unnoticed for some time.

The cats survived the fire and were being treated at an animal hospital until the owner could pick them up.