A pot of oil left unattended on a stove was the cause of a kitchen fire in Westbrook Wednesday morning, authorities said.

The occupant of a Main Street apartment suffered minor injuries trying to put out the fire using water, which caused it to spread. The fire apartment responded to the scene at around 3:45 a.m., where there was minor smoke and fire damage.

Westbrook Fire Capt. Charles Jarrett said the best way to put out a grease or oil fire is to place a properly sized lid over the pot or pan or use a fire extinguisher.