THUNDER BAY -- Fire investigators have determined it was unattended cooking that led to a Sunday morning fire at an Empress Avenue home.
The lone female occupant of the house was assessed by paramedics at the scene and taken to hospital for further evaluation as a precaution.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue says the blaze caused extensive damage to the kitchen of the home.
Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential structural fires.
"A cooking fire can start in a matter of seconds, so you should never leave the kitchen (when the stove is in use)," said Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio.
The fire service also says it's important to keep the area around your stove free from clutter at all times.
