Richmond Community Advisory

RICHMONDFIREANDEMERGENCYSERVICESRICHMOND,VA

April 12, 2011 646-6640

Cooking Fires Are On the Increase

The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is seeing an alarming increase in the number of

kitchen fires. Already in the month of April, there have been 12 kitchen fire incidents, compared to 5 last year

during the same time frame. Most of these fires start because the cooking is left unattended.

“We know that home cooking fires are the city’s leading cause of fires,” says Fire Marshal David Creasy, “but to

see this kind of increase in a two week period is very concerning. Everyone needs to be more vigilant and stay in

the kitchen when cooking.”

These types of fires put the occupants at great risk of injury. “Grease fires are very dangerous. If handled

incorrectly, they can cause severe, often debilitating injuries” says Creasy. Just last month in Chesterfield

County, a woman lost her life while attempting to fight a kitchen fire. Creasy advises that the top priority for

everyone is their safety. “Calling 911, prior to attempting to fight a fire, ensures that help is on the way” Creasy

states. He goes on to say, “Alerting others immediately upon discovery of the fire allows them to make an orderly

escape and minimize the risk”. The public is asked to follow these important cooking safety tips:

1. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.

2. If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly and remain in the home while

food is cooking.

3. Keep things that can catch fire away from your stovetop.

4. Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

5. Have a three foot “kid-free zone” around the stove or areas where hot food is prepared or carried.

6. If you have a stove fire, when in doubt how to handle it, just get out. Regardless, call the fire

department.

7. Keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother

the flames by sliding the lid over the pan, then turn the burner off. Do not move the pan.

8. In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you

or your clothing. After a fire, the oven should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.

9. Open micro-waved food slowly, away from your face. Hot steam from such a container can cause

painful burns.

10. Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for three to five minutes. Cover with

a clean, dry cloth. If the burn is bigger than your fist, or if you have any questions, get medical help right

away.

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