Fish caused fire at Japanese house

[Althalus]

TOKYO (AFP) - Tropical fish are believed to have caused a fire at a Japanese house, fire brigade officials said, warning against the use of electrical plugs near fishtanks.

"It is an extremely rare case, but fish are believed to be the culprits," said an official at the Nogata fire station in Tokyo.

A fire started behind four fishtanks on August 23, destroying the walls and ceiling of the second floor of the house.

"Saltwater fish such as anemone fish ... were in the tanks and seawater is highly electricity-conductive," the official said.

"We assume the fish leapt and splashed water onto an extension socket, which was used for lighting for the tanks," the official said.

The water is believed to have produced sparks that then ignited the fire.

Yahoo News