Killeen fire department responds to two cooking fires in 24 hours

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) — The Killeen Fire Department responded to two fires caused by unattended cooking within a 24-hour period, leaving one person injured and multiple residents displaced, the department said.

The first fire happened around 1:38 p.m. Sunday in the 3200 block of Spotted Horse Drive, according to the fire department. Firefighters arrived within seven minutes and found smoke at the front entrance and a fire in the kitchen. Crews contained the fire to the kitchen area.

One person suffered minor burns from splattered cooking oil and was taken to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple. All other residents were displaced because of smoke and fire damage throughout the home.

The second fire was reported at 6:18 a.m. Monday in the 1400 block of Bundrant Drive at an apartment building. Crews arrived within five minutes and saw heavy fire coming through a first-floor window. Firefighters evacuated all 14 units while fighting the fire, which they contained to one apartment. That unit and its contents were significantly damaged, and one person was displaced. No one was injured.

The American Red Cross responded to both scenes to help displaced residents. The Killeen Police Department, Oncor and the Killeen Building Services Department also assisted. No firefighters were injured.

Both fires were accidental and caused by cooking left unattended, the fire department said. The department said residents should stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, turn pot handles toward the back of the stove and never leave the stove or oven unattended.