Firefighters Respond to Kitchen Fire

Shortly before noon, firefighters responded to a fire in the block of 2200 Glenallan Avenue, according to Capt. Oscar Garcia, a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman.

The fire in a first-floor kitchen of a garden apartment building was confined to the unit's kitchen area, Garcia said. Firefighters were only a block away and were able to respond quickly, he added.

The occupant got out safely, Garcia said. Firefighters assisted neighboring residents out of the building.

No injuries to the building's tenants and firefighters were reported.

Following a second interview with the occupant, it was determined that the fire occurred due to food left on top of the stove, Garcia said.

He added that food left unattended on top of a stove or on a cooktop is dangerous.

"[It's] one of the top reasons we go to fires, not just in Montgomery County, but around the country," Garcia said.

"Depending on what you're cooking, it only takes seconds for it to heat up and ignite."

Garcia said that nearby items such as towels — even wood cabinets — are potential combustibles once a spark is ignited. He emphasized the importance of practicing safety when cooking.

"If you're cooking and get distracted, simply turn off the burner," Garcia said.