Apartment Fire Caused by Unattended Cooking

Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services responded to reports of smoke coming from an apartment unit with assistance from Owen Sound Police Service and Grey County Paramedic Services.

Upon arrival, crews found a smoke-filled apartment. The fire had been extinguished prior to firefighters' arrival. Two occupants sustained burn injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment. One patient was later released from hospital, while the second patient was transferred to a Toronto Hospital burn unit for specialized care.

A total of 11 firefighters responded to the incident. Fire crews ventilated the apartment to remove smoke and assisted paramedics with patient care on scene.

Following an investigation, the cause of the fire was determined to be unattended cooking. Damage is estimated at approximately $10,000.

For more information, please contact Matt Given, Fire Prevention Officer at 519-376-2512 ext. 2233 or email mgiven@owensound.ca.

Quick Facts:

• Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services remind residents that cooking should never be left unattended. Staying in the kitchen while cooking and keeping a close watch on food being prepared can help prevent fires and injuries.

• If a fire starts in a pot or pan on the stove, carefully slide a lid over the container to smother the flames and turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. Never move a burning pot or pan, and never use water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread rapidly

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