Unattended cooking cited in recent fatal fire in Toronto

TORONTO, April 2, 2015 /CNW/ - The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) is now confirming that the cause of the fatal fire that occurred on 4311 Kingston Road in Toronto was accidental, as a result of unattended cooking. One child tragically perished in the March 28 fire, and five other family members were injured, some critically.

Preliminary findings indicate the fire originated in the kitchen, on the stove. The fire developed within the confines of the kitchen, and then extended up the staircase to the second floor – trapping the victims on the second floor and blocking their escape down the stairs. 

The OFMEM is continuing its comprehensive fire investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances of the fire with assistance from the Office of the Chief Coroner, Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Services.

Unattended cooking is the leading source of ignition in home fires and the second leading source in fatal fires. With the upcoming holiday weekend, the OFMEM would like to remind all Ontario families that when you are cooking, always stay in the kitchen.

LEARN MORE

Visit www.ontario.ca/firemarshal for additional information on safe cooking practices, smoke alarms and home escape planning.

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SOURCE Office of the Fire Marshal - Media Relations

Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, [phone]