THREE pets had a lucky escape when fire broke out in an east Durham home on Wednesday night.
Firefighters broke into the house, in Embleton Street, Dawdon, after the alarm had been raised by neighbours.
Firemen from Seaham and Peterlee thought the homeowner, Alan McGee, was trapped in the house, but he had gone out.
They rescued a dog, hamster and cockatiel, which were all unharmed.
It is believed that the fire broke out when a pan of bones Mr McGee had been boiling for his dog burnt dry and caught fire in the kitchen
When Mr McGee returned, he was said to be shocked but delighted his pets were okay.
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