Discarded cooking sparks deck fire in the Sault

An undated photo of a Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services patch on the sleeve of a firefighter uniform. (File photo/CTV News)

Fire crews in Sault Ste. Marie responded to a residential fire on Glasgow Avenue Tuesday afternoon that was caused by improperly discarded cooking materials.

Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services responded to a call about a residential fire in the 200 block of Glasgow Avenue at about 4 p.m. on Feb. 3.

“Upon arrival, there was no visible smoke or fire from front of the dwelling,” said the city in a news release Wednesday.

“While investigating, crews encountered smoke and smoldering refuse on the rear deck on the dwelling.”

Crews were able to extinguish the fire.

Upon investigation, it was determined the fire was caused by improperly discarded cooking materials.

“There were no injuries to report,” the fire service said.

As a result of the fire, there is minimal fire and smoke damage to the outside of the dwelling.

Safety reminder issued

In the wake of the incident, the fire service issued a safety reminder to the public.

“Fire services would like to remind all citizens to use proper care when disposing of cooking items, fireplace ashes and smoking materials,” said Aaron Gravelle, a fire education officer fire services.

Officials advised that when discarding smoking materials and ashes, residents should use a metal container, along with having a lid for even further protection. Smoking materials and ashes should never be thrown on the ground, discarded in flower planters or garbage receptacles.