TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Pets start roughly 5,000 house fires every year, according to Tyler Fire Marshal Joey Hooton - and the leading cause may surprise many pet owners."The number one cause of fires, accidentally by pets, are candles left unattended," Hooton said.

"They're curious. They want to see what the light is. They go up there and they knock it over and it hits a combustible item, and you have a house fire."Stoves, heaters and cords also pose risksHooton said large dogs can paw stove knobs and turn on burners while owners are away.

He recommends removing stove knobs before leaving home or covering them with child safety knob covers.