APPLETON (NBC 26) — Firefighters said a stove top fire and inoperable smoke detectors created a dangerous 'close call' for home occupants Sunday at 6:40 a.m.
The Appleton Fire Department said the fire happened at a residence on the 1700 block of North Oneida Street in the central part of the city.
First responders said two families lived in the multi-story duplex. Residents from the lower unit were checked and treated on scene for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters said they checked the stove top fire was extinguished and it did not spread anywhere else. Additional crews notified and assisted the upper occupants in evacuating the building before ventilating smoke from the building.
According to the Department, the fire was contained to the kitchen but there was smoke damage throughout most of the first floor.
Firefighters said both units had a smoke alarm but batteries were missing, making both alarms inoperable. Occupants said they woke up choking on the black smoke, which alerted them to the fire.
The fire is still under investigation. No further information has been released at this time.
The Appleton Fire Department wants to reminded everyone to maintain working smoke alarms and practice fire safety in the kitchen.
