A quick response from Carthage Fire & Rescue on Thursday saved a downtown apartment from being destroyed.

Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 6 Courthouse Square, and arrived within minutes to find flames coming from a stove in the apartment kitchen. The fire was quickly knocked down with a fire extinguisher.

According to a post on their Facebook page, Carthage Fire & Rescue say the cause of the fire was due to a cooking mishap, and the damage was contained to just the kitchen.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking incidents are one of the leading causes of house fires in the country. Carthage Fire posted some cooking safety tips in their Facebook post:

Stay in the kitchen and watch what you are cooking. Turn off the burner if you leave or see any smoke or boiling grease.

Keep flammable items and loose clothing away from the stovetop and open flame.

Use a timer and check your food regularly if you are baking or roasting.

Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby to put out grease fires. Never use water.

Install and test smoke alarms near your kitchen and sleeping areas.

Stay alert and avoid alcohol or drugs that can make you sleepy.

Photos and parts of this story are contributed by Carthage Fire & Rescue.