[Press Release] : 'Kitchen Grease Fire' video makes the rounds on the Internet

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer -
(573) 499-7035 

'Kitchen Grease Fire' video makes the rounds on the Internet
Fire Services do not recommend this method to extinguish a grease fire
 
COLUMBIA, MO (February 12, 2008) - The Columbia Fire Department has
been made aware of a video, produced by the fire services in the United
Kingdom, which depicts an unorthodox manor of extinguishing a grease
fire. In the video, a firefighter, in fire fighting gear, is shown using
a damp dish cloth to extinguish a grease fire in a pan on the stove. 

This method of extinguishing a grease fire is not recommended and in
fact, could have the same dangerous consequences the video is trying to
prevent. 

The proper method of extinguishing a grease fire is to simply, "Put a
lid on it!"

Never leave cooking unattended and do not use a high setting on the
stove to heat grease. Watch what your heat!

Always have an oven mitt and the proper fitting lid for the pan you are
using to heat grease. If you don't have a lid that fits the pan you are
using, a flat baking sheet that will cover the entire pan may be
substituted. 

Should a grease fire occur, never use water, baking soda, flour or
sugar to try and smother it. These methods often cause the fire to
increase in intensity and spread from the pan to the stove top and
countertop. 

Should a grease fire occur, don't panic. If you believe your safety is
in jeopardy, evacuate the house and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's home or
cell phone. 

Otherwise, put the dry oven mitt on your hand, use the lid or baking
sheet as a 'shield', and gently slide the lid or baking sheet across the
top of the pan until it's fully covered. This removes the air from the
fire causing it to go out. When the pan is covered, turn off the heat to
the burner. Do not uncover the pan until it has cooled for at least 15
minutes. 

If you think that fire may have spread to the cabinets or to the range
exhaust hood, call 9-1-1 and allow trained firefighters to investigate
to make sure no fire remains. 

Following these safety tips can prevent fires from occurring and can
prevent burn injuries in the event of a fire. For more information and
to view the video and recommended safety tips, visit the city's Web site
at www.GoColumbiaMo.com/Fire/.

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