Monday afternoon at approximately 3:15 PM Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire at 4227 E 12th St.
Fire units arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the entry way of a three story apartment building. The first arriving unit made entry and found fire in an apartment on the third floor. A second alarm was dispatched to assist with the fire. The occupants of the third floor were able to exit the structure prior to fire crews entering the structure. Crews had the fire under control within the first seven minutes on scene. All three floors were evacuated and cleared of smoke. There were no reports of injuries to the residents or firefighters. The apartment where the fire originated had heavy fire damage while the remainder of the building only sustained light smoke and water damage.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded with 4 support vehicles, 7 fire trucks, and 35 firefighters. The cause of the fire was found to be an unattended cooking appliance. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was assisted by Sioux Falls Police Department, Paramedics Plus Ambulance, Mid-American Energy, Xcel Energy, and The American Red Cross.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue would like to remind residents to stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. Additionally, you should keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.