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Cooking oils are responsible for the vast majority of fire injuries and deaths in the United States. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent them or stay safe in the event that they do happen. Refer to the following guide to grease fires, courtesy of professional fire extinguisher retailers.

What Do You Need to Know About Grease Fires?

Common Causes

Grease fires occur in commercial and residential kitchens when cooking oils get too hot and ignite. In many cases, they happen when people leave pots and pans unattended on stovetops, allowing the fire to spread throughout the area and quickly get out of control.

Proper Extinguishing Methods

fire extinguisherAs soon as you notice a grease fire, turn off the heat, and try to smother the flames by putting the lid on the pan. Use salt or baking soda to put out any flames on the stove or countertop. If all else fails, try a fire extinguisher; if that doesn’t work, evacuate the building and call the fire department.

What Not to Do

Do not ever attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. Cooking oils and water do not mix; as a result, the latter will only splatter the grease and cause the fire to spread. Don’t move the pot into the sink or outdoors, as you may burn yourself and spread the fire to other areas of your home.

Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent grease fires is by never leaving your cooking unattended. When possible, limit the amount of oil you use, and keep a thermometer handy to keep temperatures at safe levels. Turn pan handles inward and leave room at the tops of the pots to prevent grease spills.

 

Keep your kitchen safe with fire extinguishers from A1 Fire Protection LLC. For over four decades, they have provided dependable fire extinguishers and suppression systems — including MSDS, ladders, control panels, range guards, and emergency exits — to the Midsouth area. Call (662) 895-2177 to order fire extinguishers for your property and schedule a training appointment. Visit them online to learn more about how you can boost safety with their fire equipment and services.

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