Responders found an unattended stove and a sleeping man inside a home at 206 Milton Street on December 19, after passing neighbors reported heavy smoke escaping the single-story ranch.

Fire District No. 1 Chief Brad Ellis said firefighter Brian Parent and the Dartmouth Police Department's Lieutenant Brian Sladewski and Officer Jason Arruda were the first on scene at the home around 7:25 p.m., where they found smoke erupting from the roof. They immediately entered the home to search for residents, and found Dmitry Korepin.

"[Korepin], who rents the property, was asleep in his bedroom and unaware of what was going on around him," said Ellis.

The three pulled Korepin to safety, where STAT medic Josh Ferreira checked for injuries and found none. Neighbors at 194 Milton Street took in Korepin, fed and dressed him, said Ellis.

Upon finding no one else in the house, firefighters began tackling the flames from the kitchen, where the fire began.

"Food was left on the stove unattended," said Ellis. From there, the fire spread into the vent work, cabinets, and roof, he explained.

A second team of firefighters cut a hole in the roof to drain fumes and begin combatting the second tier of flames, said Ellis.

The evening fire was knocked down within a half hour, said Ellis, but substantial damage was left behind.

The kitchen area was completely damaged, the roof was damaged, and the living room had water damage, said Ellis, estimating the financial loss of the home at $70,000. The assessed value of the home — owned by Philip and Robert Dutra — is $218,300.

"When you're cooking, look at what you're doing. Do not leave candles unattended. Improper cigarette disposal is the number one cause of losing a property," said Ellis as a reminder of basic fire safety.