A Kent family of three has been displaced following an apartment kitchen fire Friday morning in their West Hill home.
Firefighters from the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority and South King Fire and Rescue were dispatched at 9:08 a.m., and found smoke coming from a ground floor apartment in the 4700 block of South 272nd Street, according to a Kent Fire Department media release.
Firefighters used very little water to extinguish the fire because it had been largely controlled by property managers using several fire extinguishers. Because of how quickly the fire was contained, there was limited damage to the apartment and no damage to adjoining units.
The resident was warned by his smoke alarm of the fire and was able to get out safely with his young child.
Red Cross and the apartment complex managers assisted the residents with housing and other needs.
Kitchen fires are the most common type of fire that firefighters respond to. This week Kent has had three ranging from the very minor to kitchens being heavily damaged and homes unlivable.
Fire officials offer several tips for kitchen safety:
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking
• Cook on medium heat and avoid trying to heat oil quickly
• Have the pan lid handy to help snuff out a fire
• Never put water on an oil fire. Doing so can result in spreading the fire and getting burned
• Call 911 if you are unsure if the fire is out or if there are any injuries
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