Accidental Cooking Fire Damages Cedarhurst Kitchen

By Andrew Gorosko

Sandy Hook firefighters responded on the night of Sunday, August 29, to a reported kitchen fire in the Cedarhurst section, near Lake Zoar, estimated to have caused about $12,000 in damage to a residence.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Chief Bill Halstead said this week there were no injuries stemming from the incident at the Barrett residence at 49 Spring Trail, which was reported at 9:12 pm. Spring Trail extends off Lakeview Terrace in Cedarhurst.

At the time of the fire, four people were present in the residence, said Chief Halstead. Resident Leslie Barrett was at home, as was her 14-year-old son, a friend of her son’s, plus an adult male tenant of the property, the fire chief said.

The fire apparently started after the 14-year-old boy left unattended on the stove a pot of cooking oil, which was being heated to make french fries, Chief Halstead said.

The oil became very hot, ignited, spattered and caused the kitchen fire, the fire chief said. The fire destroyed the stove and damaged nearby cabinetry and appliances, as well damaging the room, he said.

The fire damage was limited to the kitchen, but there was smoke damage in other parts of the two-story house, he said.

When firefighters arrived at the home, they encountered heavy smoke conditions and minimal fire, Chief Halstead said. The male tenant had used a fire extinguisher to battle the kitchen fire, the fire chief said. It was fortunate that the unidentified man was able to quickly attack the flames, or the fire could have spread and done more damage, Chief Halstead said

Firefighters used pressurized water fire extinguishers to put out the fire that remained when they arrived. Thermal imaging cameras were used to check for any possible fire within walls. Smoke ejectors were used to ventilate the building.

Although damaged by fire and smoke, the house is repairable and remains habitable, Chief Halstead said.

About 28 Sandy Hook firefighters went to the incident. Botsford and Newtown Hook and Ladder firefighters also were summoned, but remained at nearby staging areas in the event that they were needed at the scene, Chief Halstead said.