Crime & Safety
Redwood City Fire Provides Mutual Aid in 2 Alarm Belmont Blaze
The tenant and his dog escaped, but his cat died. Fire investigators pinpoint the cause--offer safety tips.
A fire linked to a pot left unattended on the stove, displaced residents in two apartments shortly before noon Saturday on Village Drive.
On Saturday, November 22, 2013 at approximately 11:50AM Belmont Fire and Police units responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1100 block of Village Dr. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and flames coming from the windows of an apartment on the third floor. Belmont firefighters were able to keep the fire to the apartment where it started, but an apartment below it sustained water damage. The fire went to two alarms and Belmont firefighters were assisted by crews from the San Mateo, Foster City, Redwood City and San Mateo County Fire Departments.
The tenant in the apartment where the fire began told investigators he had a pot of oil on the stove, preparing to fry some chicken. He stepped out of the room briefly and came back to find the stove on fire. The tenant was able to escape with his dog, however his pet cat perished. A family living in the apartment below the fire are being assisted by the Red Cross as their apartment is currently uninhabitable due to water damage. Other occupants in the building were evacuated during the fire, but were allowed to return once the fire was out. There were no injuries.
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With the holidays upon us, the Belmont Fire Department would like to offer a few tips when frying or cooking:
Always stay in the kitchen when using your stovetop.Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire.If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call the fire department from outside.--Information and photo from Belmont Fire Department
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