Kitchen fires can be incredibly serious, causing everything from smoke damage to a home consumed in flames. Fortunately, by knowing what causes these incidents, you can keep your home safe. Here is a little more information about kitchen fires, how to prevent them, and who to call for fire damage restoration if problems do occur. 

3 Causes of Kitchen Fires You Should Know

1. Unattended Cooking 

Although you might be tempted to let that pot simmer away while you are doing something else, you never know what might happen if a pan runs dry or a spatter catches ablaze. Never leave food cooking unattended, even if it is inside your oven. Furthermore, always check automated cooking appliances like slow cookers and pressure fryers for damage before use, as shorted electrical cords can emit dangerous sparks.

2. Improper Frying

Every type of oil has its own specific smoke point, or the temperature when the liquid starts on fire. Unfortunately, frying at too high a temperature or using the wrong oil for frying can lead to disastrous house fires. When you fry foods, avoid frying with liquids that have a low smoke point like olive oil and coconut oil, and monitor the temperature carefully. 

3. Dirty Ductwork

When you cook, tiny droplets of grease can become airborne, sticking to the insides of overhead fume hoods and ductwork. Eventually, these grease droplets can catch on fire when exposed to heat, sparking the need for future fire damage restoration services. Always keep your ductwork clean, and check the area carefully before you cook to look for accumulations you may have missed.

When home fires strike, it is important to be proactive about fire damage restoration to prevent further problems. Fortunately, the team at A-1 Cleaning & Restoration in Red Wing, MN, will help with everything from removing the smoke smell from your house to restoring nearby structures and furniture. To find out more about their approach to fire damage restoration, call (651) 385-8442 today. You can also find the company on Facebook.