Kitchen Fire Displaces 6 In Hamden: Officials

HAMDEN, CT — Six people were displaced from their homes after a kitchen fire at an apartment building Tuesday morning in Hamden, according to officials.

The Hamden Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 21 Plaza Terrace around 8:10 a.m. Crews arrived at the scene within five minutes of dispatch and reported smoke coming from a second-floor apartment.

“Firefighters were able to make a quick entry and knock down a kitchen fire in the unit,” Fire Marshal Brian Dolan wrote in a news release. “The fire was contained to the kitchen but the unit experienced heavy smoke damage throughout. Three other units had moderate water damage from the fire suppression.”

A total of six people in the four units were displaced as a result of the fire, according to Dolan. The American Red Cross and the Hamden Community Services provided accommodations and assistance to the residents.

“During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that a tenant was cooking in the kitchen,” Dolan wrote. “He had heated a pan of oil and stepped away from the stove for a couple of minutes. Upon his return to the kitchen he noticed that fire had spread to the microwave and cabinets above the stovetop. He immediately exited the building with his family and called 911.

“The Hamden Fire Department would like to remind residents to always remain in the kitchen while cooking.”