On Tuesday, March 12, 2002, the Fire Marshal's Office was requested to investigate a fire that occurred at 1213 Gladstone Road in Murray River. The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental in nature, with an unattended frying pan on the electric stove being the point of origin.
The home did have one working smoke alarm, but it was located in the stairs going to the lower level of the home. By the time the smoke detector was activated the house was likely filled with toxic smoke and heated gases.
This is the second fatality in the last three weeks where both victims were found in their bedrooms near a window. Some important points that could have avoided both incidents are:
1. Working smoke alarms on all levels of the home.
2. Having a home escape plan in the event of a fire (plan on an escape in the middle of the night – worst case scenario).
3. Making sure that windows can be opened all year around. The fire code requires all bedrooms and living areas to have a primary means of escape and a secondary means of escape.
4. If your smoke detectors are activated and you find yourself in a fire situation, exit the home immediately and do not go back into the house.