Resident puts out flames

Fire broke out in the kitchen of a Gaffney apartment Monday night but a fast-acting resident stopped the flames from spreading.

The Gaffney Fire Department was called to Redwood Village Apartments around 6 p.m. Monday for a reported structure fire but luckily the flames were extinguished by the resident before the fire caused much damage.

Gaffney Fire Chief Nathan Ellis said the fire started on a stove top and flames burned the kitchen counter and the cabinets above the stove.

"The smoke detector alerted the occupant and she was able to put it out with a fire extinguisher," he said. "It was pretty much out when we got there."

Firefighters had to tear out the cabinets from the kitchen and vent smoke from the apartment but damage was minimal enough for Ellis to allow the residents to stay. He said power service wasn't disconnected.

Firefighters from all three Gaffney Fire Stations — headquarters, Overbrook and East Gaffney — responded to the call.

(Tim Gulla)