Rocky Mount firefighters responded around 8 p.m. Monday to a house on the 100 block of Caleb Court to find flames in the kitchen and smoke throughout the home. Crews brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes, but the kitchen, exterior wall and roof were damaged by the fire.

No one was home at the time of the fire thus investigators were called in to determine the cause of the fire.  The residents said they had been gone for several hours, but had cooked before leaving and apparently left one of the burners in the "on" position.

Fire officials are urging residents to follow fire safey tips, especially after a recent rash of kitchen fires that has plagued the area.

Safety tips: 

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a fire:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed