BUCYRUS — A functional smoke detector proved vital in a recent response by the Bucyrus Fire Department to a Bucyrus residence.
BFD firefighters responded to a residence in the 600 block of South Walnut Street to an activated fire alarm Wednesday shortly after 5 p.m.
Upon arrival and entry through an unlocked door, firefighters found an adult male and his young daughter asleep on a couch. They also smelled an odor of food burning and a smoky haze in the room.
The man and girl were evacuated from the residence and the pan containing the burning food also was removed.
A fan was used to clear the residence of smoke and the occupants were able to reenter.
The department’s response stemmed from a 911 call from an alarm company. The residence’s smoke detector was part of an alarm system and notified the registered company, that then attempted to contact the resident. When contact was unsuccessful, the company called the fire department.
BFD Capt. Chad Schwemley said the incident shows the importance of working smoke detectors in a residence. He also advised people to never leave cooking food, especially on an open stovetop, unattended on an active cooker.
The scene was cleared approximately a half hour after the firefighters’ arrival.