No injuries in Novato apartment cooking fire

(KRON) -- The Novato Fire Department said a fire sprinkler system and a maintenance worker's quick action helped contain a kitchen cooking blaze and prevent further damage.Dozens of firefighters respond to Oakland Hills grass fireNovato Fire said the incident happened at 11:50 a.m.

on March 31 at an apartment complex on the 1700 block of Marion Ave.Crews said the flames were extinguished before they arrived but later confirmed there was fire damage to the stove top, hood and nearby kitchen cabinets. There were no injuries reported.



Photo courtesy of Novato Fire Department.The blaze did not spread to neighboring units. Officials confirmed it mitigated water damage in the affected apartment and a unit below.

According to NFD, cooking is the primary cause of home fires and injuries in the U.S., with more than 170,000 home cooking fires reported each year.

Sprinkler systems reduce the risk by 85 percent of dying in a home fire, added NFD.Novato Fire said in a news release, "this incident highlights the importance of having accessible, working fire extinguishers and regularly maintained sprinkler systems in residential buildings.".