At 9:28 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, the Bismarck Fire Department responded to a report of a fire alarm sounding in a 128 unit apartment building at 2200 Koch Drive. Dispatch advised responding units that information received indicated there had been a grease fire in one of the apartments and the automatic sprinkler system had extinguished the fire.
The first arriving officer found the alarm system sounding throughout the building and the building had been partially evacuated. Fire personnel proceeded to the involved apartment to check conditions. It was confirmed the fire was extinguished. Two occupants from the apartment were treated for burns to their hands and were transported to the hospital by Metro Area Ambulance.
There was water damage to the apartment unit involved and the hallway of the apartment building. Damage from the fire was limited to smoke damage in the kitchen area. Total damage is estimated at $30,000.00.
It appeared a pan of oil on the stove ignited and the occupant attempted to move the pan to the sink. When the pan was put in the sink the oil splashed and the fire intensified which in turn activated the sprinkler system.
The Bismarck Fire Department would like to remind the public that the best way to control a grease fire is to leave the pan on the stove and cover it with a lid which will smother the fire and turn the burner off. A dry chemical fire extinguisher will also extinguish a grease fire.