Hello FML - With regard to recent discussion, tips, etc. on protecting ferrets and other pets in the event of a fire...all good...except for the eventuality of a fire when no one is home and ferrets are caged. You see, we did have a fire when no one was at home. The ferrets were loose in one room. Had they been confined to cages in that room or cages elsewhere in the house, they would have died. However, all of the ferrets survived the fire and extensive smoke Because They Were Not Caged and had the good sense to stay down low on the floor. And here is the reality of the situation. The fire was noted by some people out on a walk who saw smoke billowing from several windows left partially open and saw flames. The fire department was called. Several trucks and many firemen responded. The windows which had signs locating animals inside were promptly smashed for access as were a couple of doors. The firemen were concerned about rapid access, putting out the fire, getting the smoke out and locating any people who might be in the house. Not one fireman looked for animals. When I arrived totally frantic about the ferrets (I could have cared less about the house at that point) some of the firemen helped me look through the debris for ferrets. I did not expect to find any had survived when I surveyed the fire, smoke, water and fire axed damage. However, one by one, all of the ferrets were found. None suffered burns, thank God. All of the ferrets had "gone to ground" to avoid the smoke and thus survived. All, except for The Princess Tiger Lilly, who came out from hiding to tag after a fireman manning a hose, were in places relatively free of smoke, at floor level and under things. The firemen were impressed by their good sense. Most of the ferrets were doing some coughing and were checked by a vet. Except for mild pulminary edema in some (secondary to smoke inhalation), all were in excellent shape. All were fine within a few days. We were very lucky. And it was noted at the time by the Fire Chief that if the ferrets had been up in the cages, they would have been trapped. Fire is a very real danger for any family and pets, and can happen at any time and from a variety of causes. Ours was caused by an old lamp which was tipped over. It was later found to have defective wiring. I collect Tiffany/Tiffany style lamps and all old ones were re-wired, with the exception of one Tiffany with original wiring in good shape. However - that lamp recently gave a shock and so it has been re-wired as well. I am told that many fires start this way. A neighbor had a fire when their teenager left the curling iron on. Any appliance left on might cause a fire. Whether you leave your ferrets in cages or loose but confined to safe living space, I feel, is an individual decision. However, before you leave your house -- double check to make sure any thing that might cause a fire is turned off or out. Don't learn the hard way. I never considered lamps a fire hazard -- I do now. Cheers, Meg [Moderator's note: Not taking a stance on the issue (though I should say mine have ruin, err... run, of the house) but I also recall the ferret who nipped the sleeping humans to alert them to a fire. Smart little critters (though maybe it was just to beg humans to toast some marshmallows). BIG] [Posted in FML issue 1943]