Dogs die in early morning Chesapeake house fire

CHESAPEAKE

Two dogs died in a house fire in the 3000 block of Hornsea Road early this morning, a spokesman said.

Captain Michael Thibeault, a spokesman for the city’s Fire Department, said crews arrived around 3:30 a.m. and found heavy flames coming from the rear of a two-and-a-half story house.

The homeowners escaped safely, but one resident was taken to the hospital.

She was treated and released this afternoon, Thibeault said.

Deputy Fire Marshals said the fire was caused by combustible materials stored too closely to an electric space heater.

The Red Cross is helping the family, who had no insurance.

When using portable space heaters, it’s important to follow all of the manufacturer’s safety requirements and not leave them unattended, Thibeault said.

He also advised people to check their smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly and have a fresh batteries.