Fire Department

A fire broke out after a pan of oil left on a hot stovetop ignited. The occupant was preparing to make some fries when he fell asleep. The oil continued to heat up, and the man woke up to the smell of smoke in his apartment. When he went into the kitchen, he found fire on the stovetop and used the hose from the kitchen faucet to spray down the fire. The fire flashed and initially grew larger, as water and oil do not mix, but the man persisted and kept spraying down the flames until the fire extinguished.

Firefighters found the stove full of oil residue and the kitchen and countertops soaked with water. The fire caused extensive damage from the stovetop to the range fan and cabinets above, as well as to a light fixture on the ceiling which melted from the heat. Ladder Company 6 inspected the walls and ceilings to ensure the fire did not spread.

The occupant was not injured and did not require emergency medical attention.

Safety Tip: It is dangerous to combat oil-based cooking fires with water. When confronted with a small grease fire, the best action to take is to cover the fire with the lid of a pan. This starves the fire of oxygen. If the fire grows to a size larger than a small waste basket, evacuate your home immediately, doing your best to make sure doors and windows are closed behind you, and call 911.