Auburn Fire Department offers safety tips to avoid cooking fires

AUBURN — Within the first five months of 2018, the Auburn Fire Department has responded to 11 fires caused by cooking.
Across the United States from 2011 to 2015, fire departments responded to an average of 170,200 home structure fires involving cooking equipment. Almost half of reported home structure fires were caused by cooking, according to the department.

The department says that cooking is part of our daily life and it can become routine to the point where safety is an afterthought. Many cooking fires happen when cooking with oil. The department stresses to never throw water on an oil fire.
Safety tips offered by the department include:
* Stay alert. If you are sleepy, please refrain from cooking.
* Always stay in the kitchen when cooking.
* Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or if you can smell the oil heating, immediately turn off the burner and carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.
* Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing.
* Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.
* Always cook with a lid and oven mitt beside the pan. If there’s a fire, put on an oven mitt and slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover, because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time.
* Never throw water on an oil or grease fire.
* If the fire does not go out or if you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of the house. Call the fire department once outside.
For additional information on cooking safety, as well other safety tips, visit www.nfpa.org/safetytips.