FOUR OAKS – The Johnston County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the cause of a fire Friday afternoon that damaged a home at 114 Smith Street in the Four Oaks city limits. The fire was reported around 3:55pm.
A smoke alarm in the residence alerted the occupant who was able to safely exit the burning home without any injuries.
Deputy Fire Marshal Ryan Parker said the fire was determined to be accidental and started in the kitchen due to unattended cooking.
Parker said cooking fires account for the majority of residential fires and unattended cooking is the leading factor. If a fire occurs while cooking, if possible put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan, turn off the burner, don’t remove the lid until it is completely cool, never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire as it can spray burning grease around the kitchen spreading the fire, and find a safe location outside the home to call 911. Do not reenter the home or building.
The Benson and Elevation Fire Departments assisted the Four Oaks Fire Department. The Red Cross responded to assist four adults who were living in the home.
