Fire Department

A greasy cast-iron skillet left inside a self-cleaning oven is to blame for a smoke scare that occurred Tuesday.

Firefighters were sent to a multi-unit residential complex on Nakoosa Trail to investigate the source of smoke in the building. Engine Company 8 was approached by an occupant who said it was his oven that caused smoke to fill his apartment and the common hallway. The oven could not be turned off while in self-cleaning mode, and it continued to produce smoke.

Firefighters unplugged the stove and moved it outside, where they forced open the oven door and removed the pan that was “full of grease.” Crews returned to the apartment and ventilated the unit and common hallways with fans until the air was clear again.

The oven and a smoke alarm that did not activate during the incident are both slated to be replaced.