Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind you about the dangers of cooking with oil.
Officials say LFES crews have responded to several recent incidents where cooking oil was left unattended on the stove, which resulted in flashover fires.
In one case, the department says occupants heard their smoke alarm and managed to extinguish the flames with a fire blanket before calling 9-1-1. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained extensive smoke damage. Officials say kitchen fires can spread fast, which can lead to severe burns and significant property damage.
LFES offers the following safety tips to keep in mind when cooking:
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking – never leave food unattended when frying, boiling, grilling or broiling, and always turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen.
- Keep a lid nearby when cooking – if a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the heat.
- Never use water on a grease fire – water can cause flames to spread. Instead, use a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket or a heavy damp cloth to smother the flames.
- Keep combustibles away from your stove – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, curtains and anything that can catch fire should be kept clear of the stove.
- Clean your stove – keep the stovetop, burners and oven clean to prevent sparking a fire from built-up grease and food residue.
- Install and regularly test smoke alarms – a working smoke alarm provides early warning and can help save lives.
The service says cooking fires are one of the leading causes of home fires and injuries.
LFES encourages you to take precautions and call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire occurs.
