BERNAMA-DPA – No matter the season, celebrations often involve plenty of cooking, which can raise the risk of fat catching fire.
Hot oils and fats can pose a fire hazard, so it’s important to stay attentive while cooking and use a timer to keep track.
“Many home cooks underestimate the dangers of stovetops and ovens.
“They crank up the heat too high, get distracted during cooking, or don’t know how to respond if a fire starts,” warned fire and explosion protection specialist Hermann Dinkler.
He offered a list of tips to help prevent fat fires in the kitchen.
CAUSES OF GREASE FIRES
Grease fires occur when fats or oils are heated above their smoke point and ignite.
“Fats and oils can self-ignite when heated to high temperatures. So don’t heat oil or fat to such an extent that it starts smoking,” said Dinkler.
WATCH FOR FAT EXPLOSIONS
Never extinguish burning fat with water as the water suddenly evaporates with an explosion. Burning fat droplets fly into the air and can cause severe burns.
PREVENTING GREASE FIRES
To prevent grease fires, observe the following tips:
– Keep your kitchen clean and dry as oil and water residues can help cause a grease fire.
– Do not overheat oil or fat, and pay attention to the smoke point of the oil or fat you are using.
– Do not leave the pot or pan unattended. If you have to leave the kitchen, switch off the hob.
– Do not leave children unattended in the kitchen when cooking with hot oil or fat.
Bear in mind also that if you don’t store your oils and fats properly, they can oxidise more easily and therefore catch fire, said specialists.
So there is a greater risk of a grease fire if you are using older oil from a bottle that has already been opened.
