My Commercial Kitchen Went Up in Flames

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Tips On Fire Safety in the Kitchen 

Cooking fires are the leading cause of building fires. Whether you are preparing a full course meal or making a quick snack, following our safe kitchen techniques can keep members of your staff and your building safe. Here is the SERVPRO® of Augusta ‘Tips List’ regarding fire safety in the kitchen: 

1. Never leave a stove unattended while in use. Staying in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or boiling food can ensure a lack of problematic issues. If you do not always have someone to man your kitchen, turn all burners and the stove off while you leave the room.  
2. Keep your kitchen and cooking area free from flammable materials. Keep anything that could easily catch fire away from your stovetop. Examples of these items are oven mitts or towels.
3. Keep cooking equipment clean at all times. Food particles left in kitchen appliances, uncleaned grease on stovetops and dust buildup are considered fire hazardous. Make sure you’re wiping things down after every usage.  
4. Never throw hot grease in the garbage can. Always let grease cool before disposing of it in the garbage can, if grease hasn’t had ample time to cool down it could ignite other materials within your disposal. A good additional tip is don’t pour grease or oil down the drain.  
5. Wear close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves. Loose clothing can easily catch on fire if it comes into too close contact with a gas flame or burner. Keep your staff and kitchen safe by wearing the proper clothing. 
6. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure you have the correct type of extinguisher placed in your kitchen, and that all staff are properly trained in how to use it.  

If A Fire Does Occur, What Should I Do? 

If a fire does occur, it is important to be prepared. Remember that your safety comes first! If you cannot safely extinguish a fire, get all staff and customers outside quickly and close the door behind you to contain the fire. Be sure to call 911 as quickly as possible to alert emergency responders to the fire. If fire is prompted due to grease, put a lid over the pan, turn off the stove and leave the pan covered until the fire is completely out.  

Commercial Kitchen Fire Got Your Emotions Up in Flames? Give SERVPRO® of Augusta a call 706-750-0200 to schedule a consultation today.