Trio of Kitchen Fires Cause Concern
Three separate incidents of overheated cooking oil resulted in fires that the Beverly Fire Department has responded to in the last week. The alarming trend reflects the National trend for the leading cause of house fires, cooking incidents.
The first incident occurred at 1045PM on August 15 when a resident at 22 Home St accidentally overheated a pan of cooking oil igniting a fire that quickly spread to the bottom side of the range hood and damaged some cabinets. The homeowner used a garden hose to knock the fire down prior to the arrival of the Fire Department.
The second incident occurred Sunday September 21 at 81/2 Pickett St when another pot of oil was allowed to overheat and ignite on the stove. Fortunately for the resident, a neighbor heard her screams and was able to knock down the fire with a portable fire extinguisher.
The third incident occurred at the Callahan Center of Endicott College when a burner was accidentally raised to a higher heat with a pot of oil on it. The temperature of the oil raised to its ignition temperature and flames erupted from a pot. A quick thinking worker placed another pan over the pot in an effort to smother the flames, but the flames continued until a worker discharged a fire extinguisher knocking down the fire. This was the first such incident in recent history at the Callahan Center where there is a very good record of safe practices and droves of students flock to eat every day.
Cooking oils, though an invaluable tool in the kitchen, can be quite hazardous. With easily attainable ignition temperatures, the oils can quickly ignite when left unchecked on the stove. The fast moving fires can quickly spread beyond the pot causing significant damage if not extinguished immediately.
“The best defense is diligence” said Deputy Chief William Walsh. “Never leave any food on the stove unattended” he continued. If you do have a cooking oil fire, the best defense is usually calling 911, covering the pot with a tight fitting lid and turning off the heat. Doing so deprives the fire of needed oxygen and also removes the heat lowering the oil below its ignition temperature. A fire extinguisher is also an important tool as long as you know how to use it.
Fire extinguishers vary in types and sizes. Some extinguishers are meant for use on very specific materials. Before you try to use a fire extinguisher, call 911 then ensure that it is rated for the type of fire you are trying to put out. Improper application of a fire extinguisher can result in making the fire worse and possible personal injury.
Most extinguishers designed for kitchens are designed to be discharged from up to 10 feet away from the fire. This distance keeps the user away from the fire and prevents the extinguishing agent from blasting the flaming oil out of the pan and all over the surroundings. Whenever there is any doubt about the capabilities to extinguish a fire, the best course of action is to get out and call 911.
Fore more tips on cooking and fire safety, see the Beverly Fire Department Web site at beverlyfire.org or the U.S. Fire Administration at USFA.DHS.GOV.