Residents reminded to stay alert while cooking after kitchen fire leaves residents displaced
Back to SearchSt. Catharines Fire Services is reminding residents to never leave cooking unattended after a kitchen fire on Sunday evening caused extensive damage to two units leaving the occupants displaced.
Fire crews were called to a two-family dwelling on Byrne Blvd just before 10 p.m. on Sunday night after a report of a structure fire.
The fire, which started in the kitchen of the lower unit caused heavy smoke with zero visibility. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control quickly, however the building suffered extensive damage to the lower unit as well as smoke damage throughout, with total damages in excess of $100,000.
A resident of the lower unit needed to be evacuated by fire crews and examined by paramedics, but did not require transportation to the hospital. The occupants of both units were displaced as a result of the fire and the Red Cross was contacted to assist.
The cause of the fire was determined to be as a result of cooking oil igniting after the occupant left the room briefly.
“Cooking fires remain one of the leading causes of fires in Ontario,” said Fire Chief Jeff McCormick. “Cooking should never be left unattended, even briefly. If a pot does catch fire, occupants should never try to move it, instead they should turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid to extinguish the flames.”
Smoke alarms are required to be installed on every storey of a home and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required be installed outside all sleeping areas. Residents should be sure to check alarms are working and batteries are replaced at least twice a year.
For more information visit www.stcatharines.ca/FireSafety.
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