Family left homeless by kitchen fire
By John Joyce
Published in News on February 13, 2015 1:46 PM
Goldsboro Assistant Fire Chief James Farfour praised the quick action of a woman whose family was displaced from its home in Fairview Circle early this morning following a kitchen fire.
The fire started at 12:31 a.m. today at 913 A Fairview Circle.
"She did the right thing. She got the kids out and to a safe, warm place," Farfour said.
Angie Stinson was at home when the fire began, along with two of her four children.
Farfour said Ms. Stinson had a guest, a man she identified to him as her boyfriend, Adrian Thomas.
Thomas had been watching a movie and placed some chicken in the oven to cook.
"Within 10 to 15 in minutes in his estimation, the fire somehow started in the kitchen," Farfour said.
Goldsboro Fire Department Engines 1, 2 and 4 responded along with Ladder 1.
Once a search was complete and the fire out, firefighters investigated the source of the fire.
"Ms. Stinson had taken the children out to the car to keep warm. It was very cold out by this point," Farfour said.
According to the fire report, the fire started near the stove in the kitchen.
Thomas told Farfour that only the stove had been on and none of the burners. The burners were in fact found to be in the off position and the oven was in the on position.
A pot was found out back, however, with burner marks on the bottom of it consistent with the front left burner of the stove. Metal residue from the pot was found on the burner.
Thomas explained that the pot was on fire with several other items when he went into the kitchen and he was able to throw it outside.
Further investigation showed that an item that had been on the counter close to the stove ignited and the fire spread up the walls and into the cabinets.
Residue consistent with kitchen towels and plastic were found near the ignition site.
The total estimated damage from the fire and the overhaul completed by the fire department is listed on the report at $8,000.
Farfour said the family is staying with relatives and the American Red Cross was not called in to provide services.