When a home in Westport, Conn., caught fire during a fast-moving thunderstorm earlier this month, the source wasn’t outdated wiring or an overloaded outlet. The source turned out to be something far more unexpected — an electric fence. Firefighters battled the fire sparked by a lightning bolt that hit an underground electric pet fence, triggering a surge that damaged parts of the home. According to fire marshals, electric pet fences are especially risky because lightning can travel through the wiring and potentially start a fire. Unlike many home appliances, electric fences are always on, always connected, and often overlooked. The solution is simple: It takes just a few seconds to unplug the system when a storm is on the way.
