How to stop a stovetop fire?
It can be something we rarely think about. Cooking is a daily activity for millions of people, but it comes with inherent risks. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of fires and fire injuries in homes because people often forget the potential hazards involved in cooking. Understanding these risks, taking appropriate precautions, and knowing how to stop stovetop fires is critical to keeping your home and family safe.
Understanding the Causes
Nearly half of all home fires originate in the kitchen. The majority of these fires are caused by food or cooking materials igniting, with frying being the most common culprit. One of the biggest contributors to kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Leaving a burner unattended, even for a moment, can have disastrous consequences. Grease fires are particularly hazardous because they can spread rapidly and are exacerbated by attempts to extinguish them with water.
Prevention is Key if you want to stop stovetop fires.
• Never Leave Cooking Unattended: Staying vigilant in the kitchen is the most effective way to prevent fires. It takes less than 30 seconds for a fire to rage out of control. Always remain present while cooking, especially when using high heat or frying.
• Maintain a Clean Stovetop: Grease buildup can easily ignite, so it’s crucial to clean your stovetop regularly• Keep Flammable Materials Away from the Stove: Items like towels, curtains, oven mitts, and paper should be kept a safe distance from the stovetop to prevent accidental ignition.
• Wear Safe Clothing: Loose-fitting clothing can easily catch fire. Opt for well-fitting attire or roll up sleeves while cooking.
• Have a Fire Extinguisher: Ensure you have a Class B or K fire extinguisher specifically designed for flammable liquid fires, commonly found in kitchens. Make sure all household members know its location and how to use it properly.
Extinguishing a Kitchen Fire
• Small Pan Fires: If a fire starts in a pan, quickly cover it with a lid to cut off the oxygen supply. Turn off the heat source and leave the lid in place until the pan cools completely. Never use water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread violently.
• Larger Fires: If the fire is beyond control or if you’re unsure how to handle it, evacuate everyone from the house and immediately call the fire department. Attempting to extinguish a large fire yourself can be extremely dangerous.
Additional Safety Measures
Consider installing a FireBot: FireBot is a smart cooktop fire suppression system designed to quickly and efficiently extinguish stovetop fires. This system uses thermal sensors to differentiate between normal cooking heat and a dangerous fire, activating only when a true fire risk is present.
Upon detection, a warning alarm sounds, alerting those nearby. Within seconds, FireBot discharges one liter of a biodegradable, non-toxic suppressant, effectively tackling various fire types, including oil, grease, food, and cardboard fires.
Most importantly, FireBot is tested to UL300A standards by Met Labs, ensuring that once the fire is suppressed, it stays out, preventing reignition. This rapid detection and suppression capability makes FireBot a valuable tool in protecting homes and families from the dangers of stovetop fires, especially those caused by unattended cooking.
Watch this demo of FireBot in Action
