Woman Falls Asleep Cooking, Starts Apartment Fire in Aliso Viejo

A fire that started when a woman fell asleep while cooking caused heavy damage to the kitchen in her Aliso Viejo apartment, but sprinklers kept the flames from spreading, an Orange County Fire Authority captain said today.

The fire was reported just before 11 p.m. Wednesday at the apartment in the complex of three-story buildings at 27662 Aliso Creek Rd., said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

A woman in her 60s was cooking and fell asleep, Concialdi said.

“A fire started in her kitchen and extended into her cabinets. The smoke alarm alerted her to the fire, but it was too large for her to put out,” Concialdi said. “Orange County Sheriff's deputies got there quickly and escorted her to safety.”

Orange County firefighters were able to rescue the woman's two dogs and put out the fire, the captain continued. The sprinklers helped contain the flames to the kitchen.

The woman was treated for slight smoke inhalation, but refused transport to a hospital, he said.

The Red Cross is assisting her with lodging and the Trauma Intervention Program is giving her emotional support, Concialdi said.

-- City News Service