Kitchen fire reminds all to take precautions while cooking

Euclid Fire Department crews answered a late afternoon call Sept. 14, at 282 Buckner Avenue. On arrival, crews faced heavy smoke as well as flames shooting from a back kitchen window of the condominium complex, and an occupant trapped inside.  According to Lt. Jay Northup of Ladder 1, “A neighbor placed a mattress on the ground and the occupant dropped from the second floor window right before we arrived on scene”.  Firefighter and paramedic Jeff Mann treated the occupant, who complained of smoke inhalation, while another team of firefighters attacked the fire.  Other crews assisted simultaneously in searching all of the attached condos, ventilating the smoke and hot fire gases from the building, and searching for hidden pockets of fire that could have extended undetected behind walls. 

The occupant was transported to Euclid Hospital for severe smoke inhalation and admitted to the intensive care unit.  He had begun to prepare his dinner on the stovetop, but went upstairs and fell asleep. Neighbors woke him by pounding on his windows and doors.  He attempted to flee down the stairs, but was nearly overcome by the intense heat and deadly smoke coming up the stairs from the fire in the kitchen.  His only escape was out his bedroom window.  Damage estimates are around $30,000.  No one else was injured.

This dangerous fire serves as important lesson. Remember that cooking is the number one cause of home fires and injuries.  Never leave food unattended on the stove!