Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said a fire at an apartment complex on Speed Street late Monday night could have ended in tragedy after an accident in the kitchen put a disabled resident’s life at risk.

“Fire crews responded to 821 Speed Street for a reported structure fire,” Stamps said. “Upon arrival, the crew could see smoke and was made aware that a disabled person was inside the structure. The firemen made forcible entry into the structure. Once inside, they found a disabled person who needed to be treated for smoke inhalation.”

Stamps said the patient was transported to  the Merit Health River Region emergency room for treatment.

The fire itself was determined to have been the result of a pot left on the stove, Stamps said.