Avoiding Grease Cooking Fires

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Cooking fried chicken for Sunday dinner, or bacon for a classic BLT sandwich for lunch, ensure you take proper precautions for fire safety.

Cooking fried chicken for Sunday dinner, or bacon for a classic BLT sandwich for lunch, ensure you take proper precautions for fire safety. When cooking in the kitchen, always clean grease immediately after cooking. Don't leave the oils and fats to pile up to avoid cooking fire. Always take the necessary precautions when cooking.

How to avoid a grease fire:

1. Never leave your pot or frying pan unattended.
2. Always keep your pot or pan covered to avoid grease from spilling into the fire.
3. Reduce the temperature when heating oil to prevent splashing.
4. Turn off the burner if you suspect the grease is getting too hot.

A grease fire can be challenging to put out. It could escalate and get worse when you try to put it out with water or a towel. To put out a grease fire, one needs to act fast and requires adequate skills with a sound mind.

Steps on how to put out a grease fire:

1. Turn off the heat. Once there's a grease fire, do not pick up the pan to avoid the fire from escalating to you or the floor; rather, turn off the heat.
2. Cut off oxygen to the fire by covering the pot or pan with a lid. Then allow the pan cool off before touching it and cleaning up.
3. If the fire is out of control, use a fire extinguisher to set it out. If it still cannot be managed, call 911 and get everyone outside.

By all means, Do NOT...

• Pour water on a grease fire.
• Fan the flame with a dry or wet cloth.

It can make it worse and spread the fire.

Cleaning up after a grease fire is not always easy. It does leave a heavy scent of smoke throughout the home. But with the help of a professional, you could get your home repaired quickly and effectively without having to worry about the scent.