August 8, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-59) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE ON BOWERS LANE A fire occurred in a single story, wood frame structure early Wednesday morning, August 8 located in the 7000 block of Bowers Lane. The called was received at approximately 3:48 a.m. and when firefighters arrived they reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters made entry into the house and discovered heavy in the kitchen. One of the occupants told fire investigators he had started frying fish around 2 a.m. and fell asleep on the couch. His mother got up to go to the bathroom and smelled smoke subsequently discovered the fire in the kitchen and spreading. All occupants escaped without apparent injury. The fire originated in the kitchen and was caused by unattended cooking. No damage estimate is available at this time. No injuries were reported. Engines 6, 7, 19; truck 24; rescue 7 and District Chief Elbert Cross responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is conducting the investigation. Fire Safety Tips When Cooking • Stay by the stove when the burner is on. A stove fire can erupt in seconds, so it is important that you are nearby to put out the flames. The most dangerous and flammable cooking ingredient is oil, so never leave hot oil unwatched. It can burst into flames within seconds. • If you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove. • Wear tight-fitting clothing while cooking. Oversized or long, draping clothes can easily brush against a hot burner and catch fire. • Aim pot handles towards the center and away from traffic. This fire safety tip will prevent one’s elbow from knocking against the handle and spilling food, or even worse, hot oil or fat onto youself or the burner. • Clean the grease off the stove regularly. One major fire safety no-no is allowing grease to build up, because large amounts of grease can ignite. Try to wipe the stove top after every cooking session. • Heat oil up gradually. This fire safety measure will prevent hot oil from splattering onto your skin or in your eyes. Never pour oil into a hot pan, because it can burst into flames within seconds. It is safer to pour oil into the pan before you turn on the burner. • Place a rubber or non-slip mat on the floor. If your floor frequently gets wet from spilt liquids or oil, a rubber mat will keep your shoes from slipping on the liquid. Extinguishing Stove Fires • If grease or oil in the pan ignites, smother the fire with a lid or baking soda and turn off the stove. Never use water, which causes grease fires to spread. • Do not remove the lid or put it under water until it cools! Extinguishing Oven / Microwave Fires • Leave the oven or microwave door shut and turn off the heat. If the flames don’t go out right away, leave immediately and telephone the fire department from a neighbor's house. Be sure to have your microwave or oven checked by a maintenance person before you use it again. ###