Columbus firefighters were sent to River Stone Apartments on Columbus’ west side about a kitchen fire.
Firefighters were sent to 3453 Riverstone Way at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday about a stove fire, but were told en route that the fire was out, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Engine Co. 5, stationed approximately a half mile from the apartment complex, arrived first and reported no visible fire activity from the exterior of the six-unit building. As the investigation continued, firefighters accessed the apartment, where they found a sounding smoke alarm and smoke in the unit, Wilson said As firefighters surveyed the kitchen area, they found that the fire had been extinguished prior to their arrival.
Firefighters said a stove-top cooking fire occurred after hot cooking grease was left unattended. Flames and high heat scorched the kitchen wall, and melted the plastic exterior of a microwave oven located above the stove. Investigators learned that an occupant of the apartment used a dry chemical extinguisher to put out the fire.
Investigators have determined the cause of the cooking fire as accidental in nature. Damages are estimated at $4,000. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Deputy Chief of Fire Department Operations , Deputy Chief Mark Ziegler, said that the use of the fire extinguisher significantly reduced danger to occupants and damage potential. The tenants quick response with the portable fire extinguisher greatly reduced the damages which could have occurred had the fire continued to spread.
The Columbus Fire Department believes that knowledge on fire extinguisher use should be a part of a comprehensive home fire escape plan. The Columbus Fire Department offers fire safety and fire extinguisher education to the community, at no charge. If you are interested in learning more about home fire escape planning or fire extinguisher operations, please contact Wilson at (812) 376-2584.
