As much as aspiring chefs hate to admit it, the kitchen is often the source of fires that can quickly get out of control. Following are a few tips on kitchen fires - but remember, if your efforts to put out the fire are not IMMEDIATELY successful, evacuate the structure and call 911!

GREASE FIRES
NEVER use water on a grease fire! Water will cause the grease to splatter and spread the flames. If a cooking pan unintentionally becomes a flambé, carefully slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. DO NOT try to move the pan while it is hot! Keep the lid in place until the pan is completely cooled.

OVEN FIRES
If anything catches fire in your microwave or convection oven, immediately close the oven door, turn the appliance off and unplug it, THEN CALL 911. Leaving the oven door open while frantically searching for a fire extinguisher will only allow more oxygen to feed the flames. Often once the oven door is closed, the fire will extinguish itself - however the Fire Department should still be called so that we can check for any fire extension. Don't use the appliance again until it has been serviced by a qualified technician.

UNATTENDED COOKING
Unattended cooking results in several kitchen fires in Apex each year. Always make sure all ovens and burners are turned off before leaving the kitchen.

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