Even the best gourmet cook may experience a fire in the kitchen from time to time. While most of these situations can be diffused quickly, it is possible for a grease or electrical fire to get out of hand very quickly. Therefore it is best practice to be prepared – both with what you need to put out a fire, and the knowledge you need to know what to do quickly should a fire erupt.
Grease Fires: The most common kind of cooking fire is a grease fire. It also poses the most danger to homeowners, because trying to put out a grease fire in the wrong manner can result in it spreading quickly instead.
First and foremost, never attempt to put out a grease fire with water. The water will rapidly evaporate, typically causing a burst of flames which will propel scalding hot grease in every direction. Burns, injuries and out-of-control fires can happen in a moment.
Grease fires must instead be smothered in order to deprive them of the oxygen which fuels them. In many cases, the most practical way to accomplish this is to cover the pan which is on fire with a metal lid, sheet pan or even cookie sheet. Choose a metal covering rather than using a glass lid, as glass can easily shatter under high heat. Of course, plastic will readily melt, and should never be used to put out a grease fire.
You can also douse a grease fire with either salt or baking soda. It may take a relatively large amount of baking soda to completely extinguish the fire; therefore keeping a large supply of baking soda on your counter while cooking is an excellent tip for making sure you have it on hand if you need it.
Of course, using a fire extinguisher is always a great option. If you do not currently have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, you can purchase a small Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher at your local Sarasota hardware store. These fire extinguishers are specifically made to put out fires caused by oil and other flammable liquids.
Microwave and Oven Fires: Fires can also occur in your oven or microwave. The easiest way to smother these types of fires is to keep the doors closed. Fires feed on oxygen, and with the door shut they will eventually die out. If you open the door, the fire is likely to flare out towards you as it devours the new supply of oxygen rushing in.
Turn off the oven or microwave as soon as you see the fire. In the case of a microwave fire, unplug the appliance if possible. The lack of oxygen should result in the fire dying out rapidly, however you should also be prepared to call 911.
Electrical Fires: Another common type of kitchen fire is electrical fires. These fires can occur if an electrical outlet is overloaded, or if water infiltrates the circuit and results in sparking. Preventing electrical fires is fairly easy, however. Use caution whenever using water or liquids around electrical appliances. You’ll also want to ensure that your outlets are GFCIs. Be careful not to overload your kitchen outlets with several appliances, especially if they are heat-generating.
The good news is, that with a little forethought and preparation, you can be prepared to quickly extinguish any type of fire you may encounter while cooking.
If you are in need of a professional Sarasota electrician to audit your electrical systems and make sure your home is safe and protected, call Promise Electric. We are trusted by homeowners and business owners alike to provide quality electrical and generator maintenance services.
