Fire Department

A north side resident said she accidentally turned on the wrong stovetop burner Tuesday afternoon, leading to a small fire involving a plastic container set on the stove. She was upstairs when she heard the smoke detector going off. Smoke lingered after she poured water on the fire, extinguishing it just prior to Engine Company 10’s arrival.

Firefighters found the half-melted container on the stovetop and water on the kitchen floor. As firefighters gathered information about what happened, they became aware that the family considered using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, but they couldn’t remember how to use it.

Engine Company 10 invited the woman outside to try using the crew’s extinguisher. They talked her through the proper steps, which can be easily remembered by thinking of the acronym, “P.A.S.S.” 
            - Pull the pin
            - Aim the nozzle low, toward the base of the fire
            - Squeeze the lever
            - Sweep from side to side

After practicing this important skill, firefighters asked if there was anything else they could do. The occupant stated everything was fine now, and the slight amount of smoke that remained in the kitchen would be clear soon thanks to the open windows and a ceiling fan.