VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - The American Red Cross is assisting a family of four, displaced, after a fire breaks out in their kitchen.
The blaze happened just before 8:30 Tuesday night at a home on Bailey Drive in Valdosta.
Fire investigators say the cause was unattended cooking.
No one was injured and the fire caused about $25,000 dollars in damages.
"Kitchen fires is the number one leading cause of home fires in our city, and it's a misfortune that can-and should-be prevented," said Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome.
Chief Broome urges citizens to NEVER leave a stovetop that is on unattended. Some other tips are:
Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop.
Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains- away from your stovetop.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Keep a lid and oven mitt nearby when you're cooking to use in case of a grease fire. If you have a grease fire, slide a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
