Fire Department

Four people are displaced from their eastside home due to a fire resulting from unattended cooking.

Three teenagers were home alone, preparing dinner, around 6:00 p.m. One boy began heating a pot of oil and put some pizza puffs in the pan to fry them. He stepped away into another room and became distracted. When the boys heard the smoke alarm sounding, they found fire on the stove. They grabbed a fire extinguisher but could not get the extinguisher to work. That’s when they evacuated the house and called 911.

Engine Company 5 quickly put out the fire with a water can extinguisher and a few shovels of snow. Firefighters checked the attic for fire extension, finding none.

Fire and heat damage was contained to the kitchen area, but additional smoke damage spread into other areas of the residence. Damages are estimated at $15,000. The American Red Cross responded to provide housing assistance for the displaced occupants.  

Safety Tips: Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires. Always “stand by your pan” while cooking, and know that the best way to extinguish a small grease fire is by smothering it with a lid, not by splashing it with water. If the fire has grown too large, leave the home immediately, close all doors behind you, and call 911.