Kitchen fires not so hot

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The RAF Lakenheath Fire Department has responded to four cooking-related house fires in the past 45 days, compared to zero at the same time last year.

Tech. Sgt. Nathan Elkins, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, said that people living in housing now than in years prior and lack of attention while cooking are key factors to the increase.

In response to the increase in fires, the fire department borrowed a "chip pan" demonstrator from RAF Mildenhall that creates a stovetop fire in controlled conditions. Presentations on how to properly extinguish a fire were given at the base exchange and commissary.

Sergeant Elkins said the reaction was generally positive and the few people who came thinking "it's not going to happen to me" left with changed minds.

A single house fire can cost more than £40,000 just in damage to the home. William Dodson, 48th CES assistant fire chief, said billeting for the displaced family and the cost of bringing out the firefighting equipment bumps the tab up even further.

Mr. Dodson said all unattended cooking fires are preventable. He and Sergeant Elkins offered these tips on avoiding them:

· When cooking with oil, start on a low heat setting.

· To avoid splatters, gently set the food into the oil instead of tossing it in.

· Keep the pot or pan's correct-fitting lid handy. The lid should not have holes in it.

· If something distracts from cooking, turn off the heat and move the pot to a cold burner.

However, if a fire does break out, Mr. Dodson and Sergeant Elkins said residents should do the following:

· If possible, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flames.

· Once the flames are out, turn off the stove. On some British electric stoves the circuit breaker may be situated nearby and can be tripped, cutting off power to the burners.

· Should that fail, don't attempt to pick up the pan and carry it outside or put it in the sink. Call the fire department immediately.

· Above all, do not throw water on a grease fire.

Water will cause the flames to grow 1,700 times larger, said Sergeant Elkins. "Water creates steam, and the steam is what expands everything," he said.

Mr. Dodson added that just a quarter cup of water can cause a catastrophic fireball. "The counter, the kitchen cabinets; all that goes up," he said.

The fire department offers safety inspections of housing. However, residents shouldn't opt for one right when they arrive in their new home.

"It's better for us to do the home inspection after the person moves in and has been there two or three months," said Mr. Dodson, "because then we can go in and see how they're living and how their stuff is set up."

To set up a home inspection, contact the fire department at 226-2112.