Firefighters urge citizens to cook with caution after house fire

Photo courtesy of Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Dept.

SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WDEF) — After fighting a structure fire, the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department is urging citizens to cook with caution.

Crews responded to a fire on Glenlock Road on Monday morning. When they arrived, firefighters said the house was already fully involved.

The fire department extinguished the fire, but they say the house is a total loss.

Authorities say no one was injured as a result.

Now, they give the following tips for cooking to avoid an incident like this happening.

• Don’t use the stove if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food.
• If you have to leave the kitchen, turn the stove off.
• Remain in the home while cooking and use a timer.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
• If you have a fire, get out and close the door behind you.
• Call 911 after leaving.
• Keep a lid nearby while cooking to smother small grease fires.
• Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

In addition, the fire department is sending their gratitude to a lady who brought them cold water and Gatorade while working the fire.