Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety responded to fire calls on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20, neither of which resulted in injuries.

Crews responded to a reported residential structure fire at 2:28 p.m. on Jan. 19 on the 21400 block of 184th Avenue Southeast. Occupants of the home had safely evacuated upon firefighter’s arrival.

Crews worked the fire from the exterior before gaining access into the home. Because of a lack of fire hydrants in the area, they used a water shuttle operation. The house sustained “significant damage,” with an estimated loss of $160,000. The cause of the fire was accidental.

On Jan. 20, firefighters responded to a report of smoke at 6:38 p.m. on the 21900 block of Southeast Wax Road. Crews found the apartment filled with smoke. They forced entry and found food burning in the oven that had been left on. There was no property damage.

Fire Marshall Scott Webster said in a press release that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires.

“Stay in the kitchen while frying or grilling food,” Webster wrote. “If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. If you are baking food, check it regularly, remain at home and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, paper away from the stovetop.”

MVFLS report Jan. 19-25

Fires: 4

Emergency Medical Services: 45

Motor Vehicle Accidents: 1

Hazardous Conditions: 0

Service Calls: 3

Good Intent Calls: 6

False Alarm & False Calls: 5

Total: 64