A kitchen fire at a home on Renfrew Street in Pembroke was quickly brought under control Wednesday afternoon, May 6 after the occupants safely evacuated and called 911.
Pembroke Chief Scott Selle said crews were dispatched to the reported structure fire at about 4:15 p.m. One truck and the duty crew initially responded, with additional resources requested while firefighters were en route through the Central Ambulance Communication Centre.
When firefighters arrived, light smoke could be seen coming from the first floor of the home. Crews entered the residence and located the fire in the kitchen area, where they launched an interior attack, the chief said.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze quickly, limiting damage primarily to the room where the fire started. The department said smoke and heat damage throughout the remainder of the home was minimal.
According to the fire department, the homeowner initially attempted to put out the fire but determined it could not be controlled and evacuated with the family before calling 911.
“Fire can grow rapidly, getting out of control in seconds. Please ensure your family has an escape plan and you practice it regularly,” Selle said.
The home was equipped with smoke alarms, though firefighters later discovered some were either not functioning properly or had been installed in incorrect locations.
A total of seven firefighters responded to the incident. No injuries were reported and no additional apparatus beyond the initial pumper truck was required.
The fire department also thanked the Ontario Provincial Police for assisting at the scene.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.