Two Residents Treated for Smoke Inhalation After Fire in Meadowmont

The Chapel Hill fire department responded to a residential kitchen fire at Meadowmont on Monday at 8:04 PM.

Residents of the home successfully extinguished the fire, according to a release from the town, which was limited to the stove area, with an at home fire extinguisher as Chapel Hill Fire Department arrived at the scene.

The two residents who were inside the home were treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene but were otherwise unharmed.

A second engine company assisted in evacuating the heavy smoke that was a result of the fire.

A total of nine fire personnel were on scene and were assisted by the South Orange Rescue Squad.

Though the official cause of the fire is still under investigation, residents are reminded to perform regular cleanings on and around stoves, including the fan hood, to prevent grease build up.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries in the U.S.

The National Fire Protection Agency has some helpful tips to keep in mind if you’re involved in a cooking fire, provided below by a release from the Town of Chapel Hill:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

For more helpful information about cooking safety, visit the NFPA website.