A pot of oil left on the stove the cause of a house fire in Orillia Monday night.
The blaze on Walker Ave. broke out around 11 p.m. and destroyed the kitchen area of the home and cause extensive smoke damage to the rest of the house.
Orillia Fire chief Ralph Dominelli says one person left a pot of oil for cooking french fries on the stove and then left the room.
When that person returned the pot was on fire which quickly spread to the rest of the room.
Chief Dominelli says four people were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
One person remains in hospital being treated for burns.
The fire chief says this is a perfect example why a person should never leave the kitchen when cooking.
He also says you should keep a lid for a pot nearby which can be used to smother any flames should a fire break out.
