Orlando Fire Investigators Determine Cause of Hastings Beach Boulevard Fire

Orlando, Fla. — Investigators with the Orlando Fire Department have determined the cause of a fire at a home on Hastings Beach Boulevard Friday afternoon.

At 3:07 p.m., firefighters responded to 8730 Hastings Beach Boulevard to a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, smoke was seen coming from inside the house. OFD firefighters were able to contain the fire to the kitchen where an unattended pot filled with oil was found left on the stove.

The fire ended up spreading into the wall and through the cabinets. One person was able to escape and was taken to the hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation. OFD was also notified about a small dog named Simba trapped inside.

Simba was safely rescued and given oxygen. Within a half hour, Simba was revived and placed in the care of a veterinarian.

The cause was determined to be accidental and sparked due to unattended cooking. As a result, Orlando Fire has some safety tips they would like you to know.

What you should know about home cooking safety:

-Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking.

-Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

-Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove top.

-Have a fire extinguisher nearby.

If you have a cooking fire:

-Get out, when you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

-Call 9-1-1.

-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 stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

-For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.