The resident told firefighters that she had turned the oven on to preheat and cook dinner before leaving the kitchen. When she returned, she found the fire in the oven, officials said.
Firefighters found the resident outside the apartment building with heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building when they arrived.
When the first responders got into the apartment, the fire had extended outside the oven and into the cabinets above. A damaged gas line to the oven was found and quickly turned off, officials said. Firefighters said the leaking gas contributed to the extension of the fire.
A neighbor was examined for possible smoke inhalation, firefighters said, but declined medical treatment. No other victims were found in the apartment building.
Fairfield Fire Marshal Hank Ference arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation into the cause of the blaze. Fairfield Building Official Tom Connelly also responded to the scene to inspect the electrical system.
The last fire unit left the scene shortly after 9 p.m.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.