How did the bunny save the family from the fire in Chamblee?

The rabbit, Coco, started thumping its cage loudly, alerting the homeowner to the fire and smoke detectors.

Where did the house fire start at the Rivera home?

The fire is believed to have started on the family's back porch, possibly from an extinguished campfire.

What damage did the fire cause to the Chamblee home?

The back of the home suffered significant damage, and the kitchen experienced moderate fire damage.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Bunny's Warning Saves Family from House Fire

Bunny's Warning Saves Family from House Fire

29 Nov, 2025

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Summary

A pet rabbit alerted its family to a house fire by thumping its cage.
The fire started on the back porch of the home in Chamblee, Georgia.
The family and their bunny escaped safely thanks to the early warning.

Bunny's Warning Saves Family from House Fire

A family in Chamblee, Georgia, experienced a harrowing wake-up call when a fire threatened their home on Woodacres Road NE. Erlene Rivera was alerted to the danger not by her smoke detectors alone, but by her pet rabbit, Coco, who began thumping urgently in its cage.

Rivera recounted that the fire quickly spread to the back of her house, impacting the kitchen. She rushed to evacuate her 92-year-old mother and sister, ensuring Coco was safe. Dekalb Fire officials believe the blaze originated on the back porch, possibly from a campfire that wasn't fully extinguished. The rear of the home sustained significant damage, with moderate fire impact in the kitchen.

This fortunate escape has a unique backstory, as Coco was a rescue rabbit discovered by the family during renovations. The pet, now a guardian angel, provided the crucial early warning that allowed everyone to exit the burning structure safely with Christmas gifts intact.