A Catholic school board trustee is being recommended for a civil citation by Toronto Fire Services after he raced into a townhouse last Tuesday when a grease fire erupted on the stove, saving the home from potential destruction.

Ward 7 Trustee Michael Del Grande (Scarborough/North York), who is running in the upcoming municipal election for the Ward 39 (Scarborough-Agincourt) council seat, was canvassing on Bridletowne Circle in the Finch and Warden avenues area around 3 p.m. when a young boy ran out of his home, screaming that the stove was on fire.

"I rushed into the house and saw that the mother was battling the fire," Del Grande said.

"It was a grease fire and smoke was all over the place. I grabbed a towel and soaked it in water and was able to contain 90 per cent of the fire before the fire department arrived."

Del Grande said he went in and out of the home three to four times because he wasn't sure if the boy made it outside.

"The woman was screaming; it happened real fast," he said.

"The fire guys said it was fortunate I did what I did. I was worried the fire would spread. I was still shaking last (Tuesday) night. Some people have said I was nuts to have gone in."

When the fire department arrived, Del Grande, who was covered in soot, was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. The mother and son didn't receive medical attention.

When asked if he considered his act heroic, Del Grande said it wasn’t for him to answer.

"I just did what I did. I see it as I was in the right place at the right time and was able to help. It happened so quickly. The firemen were all smiling and said if I hadn't contained the fire it would have spread. They also told me they were all going to vote for me."

East Division Commander Bob O'Hallarn said Del Grande's actions likely saved the home from substantial damage.

"Generally it's a better idea to close the door and wait for the fire department to arrive," he said, adding damage to the kitchen area is estimated at $15,000. "People can get hurt but you have to make a spur of the moment decision. Some people try to put fires out themselves. Typically with grease fires, the best thing to do is put a lid over it. But you still have to be careful because you could be badly burned."