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Man Suffers Minor Burns in Grease Fire

Daniel Prince

Fire officials say victim "was lucky" in only receiving minor injuries

A Union man suffered minor burns in a fire Sunday afternoon, according to Roger Bailey, the public information officer with the Southside Fire Department. The incident happened Sunday afternoon around 4:31 p.m. at 1526 Whitmire Highway. The residence is owned by Joyce Helms. A pan of grease caught fire at the residence. Bailey stated that a resident at the house, identified as Andrew Juarez, put out the fire but suffered minor burns in the process. He did not have to go for treatment, as Bailey said, “He was lucky.” The fire department used its positive pressure fan to remove smoke from the residence. Damage was estimated at $1200. Firefighters stayed on scene for approximately 25 minutes. Southside was assisted by the Monarch and Santuc fire departments, along with EMS and UCSO. Bailey said never to throw water on a grease fire, as that does not work and only makes it worse.

According to an article at firerescue1.com, covering the pan with a metal lid or cookie sheet and turning off the heat is the best way to put it out, as the lid starves the fire of oxygen. Small fires can be put out with baking soda or salt, but never use any other type of cooking powder, as they have different chemical makeups and will make the fire worse. As a last resort, spray the fire with a class B dry chemical fire extinguisher. Never attempt to move the burning pot or pan outside. To prevent grease fires, never leave the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food, as unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. Be alert and don’t use the stove or stovetop if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol. Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. Remove as much moisture as possible before putting food into hot oil, and never put frozen foods into hot grease. Keep the grease at the recommended temperature. If you see smoke or if the oil smells, it is an indication that it is too hot. Turn off the burner to let it cool down. Heat the oil slowly and add food gently to prevent splatter. Keep a lid near the pan with which you are cooking so it is accessible if a fire starts. Always keep children away from the stove while cooking.

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