Officials: French fries cause of house fire that displaced 5 people

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — An adult and four children were displaced following a Tuesday morning house fire that was caused by French fries, according to the Durham Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 4006 Guess Road around 12:15 a.m. Upon arrival, fire crews reported heavy smoke coming from the one-story home, Durham Fire Department Deputy Chief Chris Iannuzzi said.

The fire was under control within 15 minutes, but not before causing heavy damage to the living area and attic. No one was injured, but the five people inside the home were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross, according to Iannuzzi.

The fire started because of French fries that were being cooked on the stove, authorities said. The cooking oil caught fire and then quickly spread.

“Keep an eye on what you fry,” Iannuzzi wrote in a press release. “If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.”

Twenty-four firefighters responded to the fire and spent almost two hours on scene.