A pot stove fire broke out in Wallaceburg on Wednesday morning at 131 Margret Ave. at around 9:25 a.m.
Fire officials say $500 damage was caused when the occupant of the home fell asleep after they had started to cook.
“Firefighters from Wallaceburg responded to reports of smoke in the building, upon arrival they found an apartment block of four occupancies with smoke issuing,” said Whitney Burk, public educator for Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services, in a press release.
“At entry crews found smoke in the hall leading upstairs and smoke coming from unit #4. Firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the apartment and found heavy smoke from a pot left on the stove. They quickly dealt with the situation to prevent any fire spread and used positive pressure fans to ventilate, blowing fresh air into the block and removing smoke and fumes.”
Burke said assistance was provided to the occupier who was checked out by paramedics.
The cause has been ruled accidental.
She added that an “After the Fire – Reassurance Campaign” will take place today.
“Firefighters will be returning to Margret Ave. and surrounding areas to visit residents, check smoke alarms, discuss fire safety planning and answer questions,” she said.
Burke said it is important to watch what you heat while cooking.
“Stay in the kitchen when cooking,” she said.
“Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Keep a pan or pot cover handy at all times. Never carry a burning cooking utensil out of the house.”
Approximately $100,000 in property was saved as a result of the blaze.
