News

FIRE DEPT. OFFICIALS URGE COOKING SAFETY

By Ray King/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Monday, November 24, 2008 10:56 AM CST

As cooks around Pine Bluff and Jefferson County prepare to get started cooking those holiday feasts, the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department is urging them to practice safe cooking.

“The number one cause of house fires is cooking equipment, ranges or stovetops, and unattended cooking is frequently the reason for those fires,” said department Fire Marshal Capt. Fred Tisdale. “You need to always watch what you’re cooking, and use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.”

Whether cooking turkey, ham, baking pies or preparing vegetables, Tisdale said it’s important to keep things that can catch fire, such as potholders, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and wooden utensils away from the stove, and wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when over the stove.

“Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire they come in contact with a gas heater or electric burner,” he said.

With the popularity of turkey fryers the past few years, department spokesman Lt. Shauwn Howell said those present special problems and concerns.

“While I’m not aware that we’ve had a lot of calls about fires caused by turkey fryers, we know from things we’ve heard from people that there have been some close calls, and some unreported fires,” Howell said.

A major part of the problem is that people have put frozen or partially frozen turkeys, hams, ducks, and even chickens into the fryers, causing a slipover effect, that can result in a fire, which is why the fryers should only be used outdoors, a safe distance from houses or other materials that can burn.

“Oil and water just don’t mix,” Tisdale said, and if they’re mixed, cannot only cause a fire but an explosion.”

The National Turkey Foundation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow about 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.

Both Tisdale and Howell recommended keeping an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby if frying outdoors, and use your best judgment if a fire breaks out.

“If the fire is manageable, use the extinguisher, and if not, call 9-1-1 for help,” Howell said.

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