A cooking mishap in an apartment nestled within the 1700 block of Marion Avenue could have spelled catastrophe for the residents of Novato. A vigilant sprinkler system and the fast action of a maintenance worker were the unsung heroes in this near-disaster narrative.
According to a social media post by the Novato Fire Protection District, the incident unfolded last Monday when units rushed to the scene after a report of a kitchen fire. The blaze was promptly subdued, thanks to a single, activated sprinkler head and a fire extinguisher brandished by an alert maintenance worker. While crews were initially en route, ready to battle the flame, they were informed the fire had already been extinguished. Upon their arrival, they confirmed the remains of a stovetop skirmish, confined to its origin and its immediate surroundings – namely, the hood and the cabinets entrusted with the guardianship of culinary tools.
Firefighters had to ensure the fire didn’t spread, which involved removing the range hood and dealing with water damage in the apartment below. Luckily, no one was hurt in the incident. Events like this remind us that cooking is still the top cause of home fires and injuries in the U.S., as highlighted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
