DeKalb Kitchen Fire Sends Resident to Hospital, Causes $35,000 in Damage

An unattended cooking appliance sparked a kitchen fire in DeKalb Tuesday that sent one resident to the hospital and left a family displaced, according to the DeKalb Fire Department.

Fire Chief Luke Howieson said crews were called around 1:15 p.m. June 2 to the 900 block of Market Street for a fire at a two-story home. Firefighters arrived to find flames and smoke in the kitchen.

"Firefighters and police helped one person trapped inside to escape safely," Howieson said.

The occupant was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Another person in the home managed to get out on their own. That individual was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation and refused further treatment.

Contained in 15 Minutes

DeKalb fire units, along with mutual aid agencies from the surrounding area, extinguished the fire in approximately 15 minutes. The blaze was contained to the kitchen. No firefighters were injured during the response.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by an unattended cooking appliance. They estimate the damage at approximately $35,000. The home is currently unsafe to live in, officials said.

Red Cross Steps In

Howieson said the Red Cross is assisting the family as they determine their next steps.

The DeKalb Fire Department used the incident to remind residents about kitchen fire safety. Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows that nearly half of all home fires involve kitchen and cooking equipment.

DeKalb Fire Department responded to the call as part of its regular emergency operations. The department has been active in the community, with the nearby Central DeKalb County Fire Protection District logging 30 emergency and community service calls in May, according to a recent report.

More fire safety tips are available on the National Fire Protection Association website.

By Daniel Hayes, Illinois State News