The Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) responded to a call Aug. 9 about a kitchen fire in a condo in Stonegate. According to Deputy Fire Chief Garth Rabel, the homeowner was outside when firefighters arrived at the townhouse on Stonegate Drive N.W. at approximately 3:30 p.m.
“It came in as a possible structure fire,” he said. “Firefighters went inside and found light smoke through the level of the townhouse and when they got into the kitchen, that’s when they found more smoke.
“It appears the homeowner had come home, put some combustible packages on or near the stove top and then accidently started the stove.”
Rabel said firefighters quickly extinguished a small fire and then worked on clearing the residence of smoke.
“They then did CO (carbon monoxide) readings in the adjoining townhouses as well and when it was deemed safe, turned the residence back over to the homeowner,” he said.
Firefighters also used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was out and had not spread to adjacent walls.
A total of four pieces of apparatus and 12 firefighters were called to the scene, according to Rabel.
Damage to the residence and contents is estimated at $5,000. According to Rabel, there is a bit of smoke and soot on the walls and the stove and overhead microwave were damaged.
The female homeowner was assessed by EMS and released on scene, Rabel said.
The incident is a chance for the AFD to remind people how quickly a kitchen fire can happen. According to Rabel, kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of fires in the home.
“Please don’t stage or store combustible materials next to ranges or stove tops. That includes hanging tea towels on range rails,” he said. “It can happen so quickly.”
