November 15, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2013-39) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org UNATTENDED PAN OF GREASE CAUSE OF EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE Mobile firefighters responded to the report of a kitchen fire on Wimpleton Court, Friday morning, November 15. The call was received at approximately 5:15 a.m. and firefighters reported light smoke coming from the attic area upon arrival. Once they made entry a fire was discovered in the kitchen, the fire was extinguished quickly. A family of four, adult male and female and two children escaped without apparent injury. The female occupant told fire investigators they she started to heat a pan of grease to cook some fish and fell asleep. The grease reached ignition temperature, ignited and cause items in the kitchen on fire. The fire was contained to the kitchen but there was smoke and some heat damage throughout. The estimated damage is approximately $15 thousand. Engines 1, 18, 26; truck 27; rescue 1 and District Chief Aubrey Bishop responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the investigation. Cooking fires are the leading cause of fires, heating is second. • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop. • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop. If you have a cooking fire: • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. • Call 9-1-1 after you leave. • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. • For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed. ###