Unattended cooking the cause of apartment fire
HAMILTON, ON - February 22, 2017 - The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in an 18 storey high-rise apartment building located at 191 Main Street West, Hamilton at approximately 14:58 pm this afternoon.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working kitchen fire in a unit on the 10th floor of the building and smoke conditions on the 10th floor of the building. Firefighters located the lone occupant of the apartment who was brought down to the lobby where the patient was immediately placed in the care of Paramedics and transported to hospital.
The fire was quickly extinguished and crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of smoke. Firefighters contained the fire to the one apartment unit and damage is estimated at approximately $5,000.
The cause of the fire was unattended cooking and the Hamilton Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind all citizens about some important steps to prevent kitchen fires and action to take if you do have a kitchen fire:
- Pay attention when cooking - especially if you are using oil or high temperatures. If you must leave for any reason, turn off the stove.
- Wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves when using the stove. Loose, dangling clothing can easily catch fire.
- Keep a proper fitting lid near the stove. If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Never use water to extinguish a fire involving oil or grease.
- Never attempt to move a burning pot.
- Keep a close eye on anyone in your household who is drinking and attempts to cook.
For more information on fire safety, contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or visit www.hamilton.ca/fire.