HAPLESS hound Diesel got a little more than he bargained for while sniffing out a bag of treats – he nearly set fire to his owner’s flat.

The 10-month-old springer spaniel was home alone in New Road, Woodstock, on Wednesday, when he decided to hop on a kitchen counter in a hunt for dog biscuits.

But the playful puppy – described by his owner as a “complete lunatic” – managed to switch on the hob before spilling his crunchy stash all over the rapidly heating surface.

Within minutes the kitchen was filled with thick, black smoke, triggering the fire alarm.

Owner Michael Oliver said: “When I arrived home the firemen were carrying him out.”

Landscaper Mr Oliver, who has had Diesel since February, said: “He just toasted his treats. They roasted like barbecue charcoal and were smouldering.

“I was at work. I’d been there since 8.30am and got the call at 9.30am.”

Fire crews from Kidlington, alerted by a neighbour, found the first-floor flat engulfed in smoke. When they went in they found Diesel, unharmed, waiting by the door.

Mr Oliver added: “They said Diesel just shot straight out. It’s the first time he’s ever done something like this. He’s a complete lunatic.”

Mr Oliver’s eldest daughter Bethany, 20, is now helping repaint her dad’s home to get rid of the smell.

She said she was grateful to his neighbour, Tiffany, who dialled 999 after noticing the smoke.

Mr Oliver has since bought her a bottle of wine and flowers to say thank-you.

Bethany said: “For now we’ve put the treats in the cupboard and turned the cooker off at the switch.”

Fire service group manager Rob McDougall urged people to be extra vigilant about safety issues which could cause a fire if leaving dogs home alone.