Smoke from Stovetop Fire Overcomes Salem Woman
A Pickman Street resident was taken to the hospital on Sunday afternoon when she was overcome by smoke from burnt food.
Photos
A woman was taken to the hospital after they were overcome by smoke from burnt food on Sunday afternoon.
The fire happened just before 3 p.m. at 27 Pickman St.
It was initially reported to the Fire Department by a passer-by that saw smoke coming from the building’s first floor.
The first police officer to arrive, Officer Scott Levesque, went inside and helped the woman out, said Salem Police Lt. Scott Englehardt.
She was checked out by medics and taken to Salem Hospital. Both police and fire officials characterized her injuries as minor.
“She took in a little bit of smoke,” said Fire Department Captain Lt. Richard Thomas. "She was more startled than anything else.”
The woman did not suffer any burns and fell asleep while food was cooking, Thomas said.
When firefighters arrived they met the woman on the sidewalk outside. Atlantic Ambulance later took her to the hospital.
The fire was contained to the pan on top of the stove and by 3:15 p.m. the apartment had been vented, Thomas said. Firefighters took the burned pan outside.
In This article
-
City of Salem Fire Department
48 Lafayette St, Salem, MA -
City of Salem Police Department
95 Margin St, Salem, MA -
North Shore Medical Center (includes NSMC Salem Hospital)
81 Highland Ave, Salem, MA
Joseph Donoghue
8:00 am on Tuesday, February 19, 2013
As the home owner and landlord of the woman, I want to commend Officer Levesque, Salem Fire Dept. and Atlantic Ambulance for their quick response to a situation that may have been far worse, had all not responded to the scene in such a fashion.
My wife, Donna, was my heroine, by her quick thinking to identify the source of the smoke and make the 911 call. Had she been at her job tending to her patients, as a nurse, where she normally is at that exact time on most Sunday's, a tragedy was likely averted.
I cannot imagine a better outcome, and come away from this incident with greater appreciation for Salem's Police and Fire Departments.