Kitchen Fire Explodes in Westport

WESTPORT, CT — When a Westport resident turned on the propane range-top in their kitchen Tuesday morning, the unit exploded, blowing apart some of the stove and cabinetry, according to Westport fire officials.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred underneath the unit just before 9 a.m.

"This explosion was likely the result of a failure or leak in the unit," stated fire officials. "Quick action of the resident to shut off the burner control prevented further damage, luckily no injuries occurred."

The Consumer Product Safety Commission was notified of the incident by the Fire Marshal’s Office, which discovered that the gas General Electric range-top had been recalled in 2011. Six other reports involving explosions have been reported to the manufacturer. A link to the recall can be found by clicking here.

"If you smell gas or have any problem with any fuel-fired appliance, immediately leave the area and call 911," wrote Westport fire officials. "Residents are also reminded that they can check the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website for safety data, information, and recalls."

For more information, contact the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-341-5020 or the Consumer Product Safety Commission at CPSC.gov.

Photo credit: Westport Fire Department

(Editor's Note: Patch is re-posting this story in case you missed it the first time around.)