Glass water bowl and sun start fire at Wash. home

[May 20, 2009]  BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) -- Fire officials in Washington state said a sunny day and a dog's glass water bowl combined to cause a blaze that charred the back of a home.

Bellevue Fire Department Lt. Eric Keenan said investigators determined the glass bowl of water focused sunlight enough to act like a magnifying glass and start the fire on the home's wood deck Sunday.

Investigators said there was no electrical wiring or other possible cause.

The homeowners were away, but neighbors noticed the smoke and flames. The family dog was rescued. Damage is estimated at $215,000.

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With information from:

KING-TV: http://www.king5.com/

KIRO-TV: http://www.kirotv.com/

[Associated Press]

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