Fire crews responded at approximately 4:30 Monday afternoon to a kitchen fire on Wilson Avenue in Kittanning.
The fire was contained primarily to the kitchen. Kittanning Borough Fire Marshal “Buzz” Kline estimated damage at nearly $15,000.
A fire in an upstairs apartment brought firefighters from all three Kittanning fire departments to 1121 Wilson Avenue.
The fire originated in the kitchen of Randy Zellefrow, according to Kittanning Hose Company #4 Fire Chief “Buzz” Kline.
“It pretty well gutted the kitchen. The owner was cooking chicken nuggets on the stove and apparently fell asleep. After the oil gets so hot, then it burns. ”
Katie Jacobs lives in the first-floor apartment.
“We started smelling it a little bit, and our landlord was yelling outside so we came outside. He said ‘Someone call 9-1-1! My house is on fire!’ My phone was dead so I had to use my friend’s phone. (The dispatcher) said to get everybody out of the building.”
Jacobs described the moment the firemen opened the door.
Fire emergency crews responded to the Kittanning second floor apartment fire of a building owned by Randy Zellefrow of Wilson Avenue.
“Whenever they kicked in the door, a big cloud of black smoke just came out. They just kept throwing water right there. His stove was right there, so I’m pretty sure the stove was the main reason why.”
Kline said fire damage was confined mainly to the kitchen area, but the remainder of the apartment experienced extensive smoke damage.
“I would say probably around $10-$15,000 because it is going to have to have some wiring done, some appliances, ceiling, window, frames,” Kline said.
Jacobs said this isn’t the first time Zellefrow had issues.
“His daughter said he sometimes has a tendency to leave the stove on.”
Zellefrow received emergency assistance from Kittanning Hose Company #6 Ambulance workers for smoke inhalation.