You can stop most fires before they start. More house fires begin in the kitchen than in any other part of the home. The lesson is obvious: pay attention while you are cooking. But there are also precautions that will help you avoid fires and to control those that may occur.
Fire Needs Fuel
Deprive them of this and there is no fire. Small kitchen fires become larger house fires when food, oil, or greasy buildup begins to burn and the flames then spread to counters and cabinets. You can reduce risk by keeping kitchen surfaces and range hoods clean and free of debris. Avoid having towels, curtains, paper bags, and other flammable material near the stove or oven. Do not wear loose fitting clothing while you are cooking. This way, there is nothing to dangle over an open flame.
Keep A Cool Head, But Don't Be A Hero
If you do have a kitchen fire, don't panic. Keep in mind that you should never try to fight a spreading fire by yourself. If a fire reaches cabinets, counters, or curtains, leave the house and call the fire department. But is you spot a small fire as it starts, there are a few simple methods to stop it.
All fires need air. And if you can take away a fire's air supply, it will die. Smothering a fire can be as simple as putting a lid on a burning pot, stomping on a burning dishtowel, or covering the fire forcefully with towels. Water is a great way to extinguish some fires, but can be deadly for others, so don't automatically think of dousing the flames.
Each Type Of Fire Needs A Different Response
Basically, there are three types of fire: grease, electrical, and paper (which includes cloth, wood, plastic, and rubber).
Grease fires are the greatest hazard in kitchens. Cooking oils all have a temperature limit generally 425 degrees, called a flash point. When heated beyond this point, oil will burst into flames. If you reuse oil for deep frying, be aware that as the oil gets old, this flash point drops, making it more highly flammable. Also, be aware that unrefined oils, such as extra virgin olive oil and nut oils, break down and catch on fire at a much lower temperature.
Never throw water on a grease fire. It will splatter and spread, instead, smoother the flame with a lid or a kitchen towel. Throwing baking soda on a small grease fire will extinguish it. So keep a large, opened box of baking soda close to the stove. Salt works too, but not as effectively. The best response is to throw baking soda on the fire and cover it with a lid.
Electrical fires can result from faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or malfunctioning appliances. Never throw water on an electrical appliance until you unplug it. If an electrical fire starts, immediately unplug the appliance. Once the appliance is unplugged, the fire is no longer electrical, and you can then safely smother the flames by dousing with water or using a towel or fire blanket. To help prevent electrical keep your appliances in good condition and replace old appliances as they become worn out.
Paper fires may be the most obvious to deal with. To put out burning food, paper, wood, cloth, or plastic, use water and smother the flames. For example, pour water on a fire in a trash can or stomp on a burning cardboard box.
Do No Rely On Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are sold for home use but they are not ideal for kitchen fires. People are often injured by relying on a fire extinguisher instead of calling the fire department. The dry chemical solution found in most home extinguishers is highly pressurized. Even the smallest fire extinguisher has enough force to blow a good size pot and its contents right off the stove top. If you are trying to subdue some burning oil in a wok, the force of the fire extinguisher could splash burning oil across your kitchen and anyone in the way. Fire extinguishers are best used to put out wood and paper fires or to knock down a fire in order to escape a burning house. Fire blankets are also very effective for smothering small fires. Most important, install smoke detectors on all levels of your home and check their batteries regularly.
