A fire on the first floor of University Courtyards building 7 displaced four students yesterday afternoon, Prince George’s County Fire Department spokesman Mark Brady said.
A fire started under a pot left unattended in the kitchen by the apartment’s residents, Brady said; the fire alarm went off and the students unsuccessfully attempted to snuff out the flames.
The sprinkler system contained the fire to the apartment’s kitchen, and when firefighters arrived at 5:30 p.m., they were able to extinguish what was left of the fire, he said.
There was an estimated $5,000 in damages, and the students are staying with friends until they can return to the apartment, according to Brady.
Students should always remain in the kitchen while they are cooking, he added.
“Unattended cooking is the No. 1 cause of fire and fire-related injuries, not just here in Prince George’s County, but across the country,” said Brady.
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