Fire officials send safety reminder about stove fires after person sustained serious injuries; 2 people had minor injuries
Three people were injured after a fire broke out in a kitchen at a Chilliwack home.
The Chilliwack Fire Department was called out just after 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 to a "medical incident after a cooking fire" in the 6400 block of Vedder Road, assistant fire chief Krista Minar stated in a press release on Sept. 10.
When crews from Hall 4 arrived, the fire was extinguished, but the unit was filled with heavy smoke.
"One person sustained serious injuries, and two others had minor injuries. All three were treated by BC Emergency Health Services."
Firefighters helped the people who were injured and ventilated the building. Damage to the home was minimal and the residents were able to return to their unit.
"This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of fire safety in the kitchen," Minar added. "According to the 2023 Office of the Fire Commissioners annual report, cooking is the second leading cause of house fires and injuries in British Columbia."
To help prevent cooking fires and injuries, the Chilliwack Fire Department encourage all residents to follow these safety tips:
Stay in the Kitchen: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. Always stay in the room when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a moment, turn off the stove. Clear the Clutter: Keep anything that can burn -- like oven mitts, wooden utensils, and towels -- at least a metre away from your stovetop. Handle with Care: Turn pot and pan handles inward on the stove. This prevents them from being knocked over by children or pets.
What to Do if You Have a Stove Fire:
Cover the fire. Slide a lid or cookie sheet over the pan to smother the flames. This removes the oxygen and puts the fire out. Turn off the heat. This is a critical step to remove the heat source. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. Do not use water. Never throw water on a grease fire. This will cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the fire.
If the fire grows or you don't feel safe, get out and call 911. If a burn occurs, immediately run cool water over the affected area for three to five minutes. Do not apply creams or ointments, fire officials added.