by Joe Jeffrey
Chow chow alerts owners to caravan fire which could have proved fatal
A heroic dog has saved his family from a suspected arson attack after their caravan was set on fire whilst parked on their driveway.
Simba the chow chow alerted owner Paul Licence, 48, from Alvaston in Derbyshire, by barking at him upon realising the family caravan was up in flames, following which Paul grabbed wife Sue, 56, and their grandchildren before heading to the back garden and calling the emergency services.
Firefighters arrived at the scene within fifteen minutes and managed to disperse the fire which, by this time, had began to cause structural damage to the Licence’s house.
One of the many traits of the chow chow is its fierce protectiveness of their owners and property – something which certainly paid off.
Of Simba’s quick response, Paul said: “If it wasn’t for that dog we might not be alive. He started barking, going really mad.
“It was really lucky that Simba was so lively and woke us up. It could have been fatal for us and for the family next door. I’m so grateful to that little dog.”
Forensics teams from Derbyshire Police and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Services are currently investigating the incident.
A police spokesperson said: “We are treating it as arson and will continue with the investigation.”
