Grease sparks fire in Cedar Rapids home

The kitchen of a Cedar Rapids home sustained moderate damage after a grease fire late Saturday night.

Firefighters responded to 53 Cherry Hill Road NW at 11:56 p.m. No one was injured but fire crews remained on scene for more than an hour.

When crews arrived smoke was visible from the split-level home. Firefighters entered the structure and quickly extinguished a fire in the kitchen.

The occupant, John Mangold, stepped away from the stove while heating grease, fire officials said. When Mangold returned the grease was on fire and had extended to near by cabinets and the kitchen ceiling.

There was moderate damage to the kitchen from fire and light smoke damage throughout the home.

The Grant Wood Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.

Cedar Rapids fire officials say this is the second fire caused by overheated grease since March 21 when a similar incident occurred at 253 38th Street Drive NE.  Fire officials say if grease does catch fire, the preferred method of extinguishment is placing the lid on the pan, turning off the heat source and exiting the structure.