[bloodrayne]

Hamster Cage On A Hot Plate Sparks Fire In Garage

Salem, Oregon - A hamster died, but no people were harmed Wednesday morning when a hot plate ignited a fire in a Salem home's garage.

The Salem Fire Department arrived at 1395 15th St. NE about 11 a.m. and found smoke coming from the front of the home. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading from the garage, Deputy Fire Marshal Bill Holmstrom said.

Investigators learned that a 3-year-old girl visiting her grandmother was observing a hamster in its cage in the garage. The hamster cage was placed on a hot plate that was plugged in. The girl turned on the hot plate and the hamster cage caught fire, and fire spread to the rest of the garage.

Damage was estimated at $10,000. Holmstrom said the public should remember that portable heating devices always should be kept unplugged when not in use.