VALDOSTA — A Valdosta woman and her eight dogs are safe following an early morning fire. 

The Valdosta Fire Department responded to 16 Judy Lane at approximately 6 a.m., Monday, to put out a small electrical fire where an older woman resided with her seven chihuahuas and guard dog, Bear. 

Janet Miller was fresh out of her morning shower when she noticed the light bulbs becoming dimmer and dimmer, according to Capt. James Clinkscales of VFD.

She headed into her bedroom and was alarmed by the brownish-grayish smoke, signaling that her house was on fire due to electrical extension cords, according to Clinkscales.

After failing to extinguish the fire, she attempted to put out the fire with a garden hose. The VFD arrived and was able to rescue both Miller and her eight pets.

According to Clinkscales, Miller was not alerted sooner due to the lack of fire alarms and smoke systems in her home.

He says that the four VFD response units made a “quick attack” in putting out the “fully involved” fire and was successful. He urges anyone whose home is on fire to contact the department as quickly as possible.

“The sooner you can get out and call, the faster we can get here,” he said.

Clinkscales advises the public to not plug several electrical devices into extension cords simultaneously to avoid fire.

“Extension cords are for temporary use,” he said. “When you use extension cords, or heavy duty cords, make sure (they) have a surge protector, so when (they) do get overheated or overloaded, (they) will trip and cut everything off.”

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.