MEXICO – A dog that apparently turned on an electric stove burner is believed to be the cause of a fire Monday afternoon that resulted in about $60,000 damage to the house and killed the animal.

Fire Chief Gary Wentzell said the 1:21 p.m. blaze burned much of the downstairs and caused substantial smoke and water damage to the second floor where “Kansas,” a six-month-old white German shepherd was found.

“The smoke and heat were terrible,” Wentzell said.

Med-Care Ambulance Service and the Rumford Fire Department attempted to help the animal by unsuccessfully administering oxygen. A cat fled the house, but was later found.

Wentzell said the dog had been adopted by homeowner April Richmond and her companion, Stacy Cunningham, a couple of months ago following the death of the couple’s previous dog. Neither Richmond nor Cunningham were home when the fire occurred.

He said the dog apparently turned on the burner when it was attempting to reach some food that was located nearby, a habit the dog had recently adopted.

Wentzell said Cunningham arrived at the home soon after firefighters from Mexico and Rumford got there. He wrapped the dog in a blanket and left to bury him soon after the animal died.

The kitchen was destroyed and many of the home’s walls and ceilings were damaged.

Deputy Chief Ray Broomhall said the two-story wood structure was at least 100 years old. The couple had been renovating it for several years.

Richmond carried insurance on the property. The couple is expected to stay with friends or family until they decide what step to take next. Wentzell said the entire house will have to be gutted.

Between 15 and 20 firefighters from Rumford and Mexico were able to get the blaze knocked down quickly, Wentzell said. They were on the scene for about 90 minutes. Med-Care Ambulance Service also responded.

An unidentified Rumford firefighter said his department has tried to revive animals caught in a fire with oxygen in several past instances.