The Evansville Fire Department says smoke detectors played a “critical role” in preventing a potential tragedy early Thursday. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
Firefighters were alerted to a fire inside an apartment at the Liberty Terrace apartment complex in downtown Evansville shortly after midnight.
The EFD says when crews arrived at the multi-story building in the 700 block of Liberty Way, they found a stove on fire.
The department says a tenant tried to put out the flames with an extinguisher and was able to knock down most of the visible fire before becoming overwhelmed by smoke.
Fire crews quickly extinguished the remaining fire and limited the damage.
One resident was treated at the scene.
The EFD says working smoke detectors alerted residents to evacuate the building quickly and safely.
Officials also remind us to always keep stovetops clear of flammable materials and make sure smoke detectors are installed and functioning properly.
The fire at Liberty Terrace was ruled accidental.