An investigation into fire in an apartment on Henry Street in Belleville has wrapped.
According to Belleville Fire and Emergency Services, investigators determined the fire was caused by combustibles left on top of the stove and the range being left on.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a structure fire in the multi-unit residential building on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Officials said neighbours heard a smoke alarm sounding and called 911 Wednesday, which aided firefighters with a quicker response to extinguish the blaze that started in the kitchen. The occupants of the apartment weren’t home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries reported, added officials.
Damages are being estimated at about $26,000.
Early notification – much like in a similar call earlier this week – was key to helping tackle the fire and preventing it from spreading throughout the multi-unit building, reiterated officials.
In the wake of the incident, fire prevention officials are also reminding people to refrain from storing combustibles on top of kitchen ranges and/or within the oven.
“It is not to be used as an extension of the countertop, nor an additional cabinet.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
