Senior Living Center Evacuated Due to Small Fire

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - A small fire on a stove in the common area of the Englewood West Apartments, 1068 Park Ave NE was quickly extinguished by Salem firefighters on Saturday.

A resident inadvertantly turned on the wrong burner on a stove, which caused a plastic tray to catch fire said Deputy Fire Chief Joe Parrot.

Smoke from the tray triggered the building's fire alarm system, causing residents to evacuate the building.

However the fire was small enough to not trip the fire sprinkler system Parrot said.

The fire was reported to the fire department at 5:19 PM.

The first fire engine arrived three minutes later.

A second alarm was called prior to the first engine's arrival based on reports that there was a fire in the kitchen but was recalled shortly after the first engine arrived on scene.

Mistakes made while cooking are the leading cause of residential fires in the United States.

The community is urged to practice safety when cooking.

Never leave kitchens unattended while cooking.

Combustible materials should be kept well away from burners.