Cooking Fire Sends a Woman to the Hospital

Wednesday, 24 October 2018 15:12

Close call for a woman from Woodstock this morning after fire crews responded to a cooking fire on James Street this morning.

WOODSTOCK - One person was sent to the hospital after a cooking fire in Woodstock.

Firefighters rushed to 885 James Street this morning after reports of a fire. They were called by the superintendent of the building who heard the smoke alarm going off and saw smoke coming from the front door. When firefighters arrived, smoke was showing from the front of the home and the super told them that a woman was inside. Firefighters were able to find the woman and carry her outside to Oxford County Paramedics on scene.

The cause of the fire was an unattended pot on the stove. The woman was treated for smoke inhalation. Damage to the apartment building was minimal.

Public Information Coordinator Lisa Woods says this could have been a lot worse.

"This is a good save for the Woodstock Fire Department and the alarm was working and that is what we want to see, is people making sure the alarms are working in case something does happen and people being alert and calling 911 and helping in this situation."

Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires. The Woodstock Fire Department would like to share these safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire;

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove

•If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you're cooking

•You have to be alert when cooking. You’ won't be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumer alcohol that makes you drowsy.

•If you have a cooking fire and are in doubt, just get out and call the fire department

• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you're cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

Test your smoke alarms today and ensure they are working!