Do you know how to safely put out a grease fire?

As Chicago’s largest fire restoration company, we have 15+ years of experience helping homeowners deal with the aftermath of kitchen fires. 

We want you to know what to do before it happens to you.

Safety Considerations

1. Turn Off the Heat

Before you do anything else, turn off the heat source and move the pan off the hot burner if you can safely do so. 

2. Know What Not to Put on a Grease Fire

Techniques that put out ordinary fires make grease fires worse. 

Much like electrical fires, these emergencies require special precautions. 

With that in mind, never use the following on a grease fire:

• Water – Water on a grease fire vaporizes instantly, causing a steam explosion that spreads flames.
• Flour – Flour on a grease fire fills the air with particles that ignite and burst into flames.
• Baking Powder – Unlike baking soda, baking powder will ignite when thrown on a grease fire.
• Dinnerware – Covering a grease fire with a plate can result in an explosion that turns ceramic into shrapnel.

3. Don’t try to Move the Pot

In addition to the tips above, never attempt to move the pot or pan outside since this puts you at risk of injury and can spread the fire to other areas of the house. Additionally, never add sugar or attempt to cover the fire with a wet or dry cloth, towel, or other flammable material. 

4. Call 911 if Needed

If you can’t put out the fire, don’t take any chances.

Flames in the kitchen can turn into a house fire in less than 30 seconds. Shout out an alarm to everyone inside, and follow these steps.

• Evacuate – Leave the house immediately, closing doors behind you.
• Call 911 – Wait until you’re in a safe location outside before calling 911.
• Stay Put – Don’t reenter your home until firefighters give you the all-clear.

How to Put Out a Grease Fire: 4 Effective Ways

Small grease fires can be extinguished in several ways. 

These methods are effective on grease fires in pans on the stovetop but always be prepared to evacuate the kitchen just in case.

1. Cover with a Pan Lid 

After you’ve turned off the heat source, cover the pan with a snug-fitting lid. Avoid glass or ceramic pan lids since these can shatter in high temperatures. 

If possible, put the pan on the lid using a long wooden spoon or a pair of kitchen tongs since this prevents you from getting too close to the fire and risking injuries. If you can’t find a lid, you can use another pan to smother the fire. 

Be careful not to jolt the pan. Movement can splash hot oil or grease and spread the flames.

Safety Tip: Don’t use an oven mitt to place the lid over the pan because the mitt fabric can catch fire. 

2. Cover With a Cookie Sheet

This method works well on frying pans and larger pots. Slide a metal cookie sheet into place over the flames and leave it. Don’t touch the sheet again until it’s had time to cool down.

Safety Tip: After the cookie sheet cools down, remove it and check for signs of damage on the pan. Extremely high temperatures can have a negative impact on the chemicals in non-stick coatings and may cause the surface coating to flake off in small flecks. Because of this, we recommend replacing any non-stick pan that has caught fire or overheated. 

3. Douse with Baking Soda or Salt

Put out the fire by smothering the flames with as much baking soda or salt as you have on hand. 

As you do this, drop the substance directly on the fire since a sideways toss can cause flames to leap out of the pan and spread across the stovetop.

Safety Tip: When you’re cooking, make it a habit to keep a box of salt or baking soda within easy reach. Storing either one in an attractive container dresses up the countertop.

4. Use a Class K Fire Extinguisher

Put out the fire with a Class K grease fire extinguisher. While class B and multi-use fire extinguishers work on most kitchen fires, Class K extinguishers are formulated for safe use on combustible cooking liquids.

Don’t try to put out a grease fire with a Class A-only extinguisher because the formula within these units is water-based and will make the grease fire worse. 

Safety Tip: Keep the fire extinguisher within easy reach in a lower cabinet next to the stove. Don’t crowd it with pots and pans. Make sure everyone knows where it’s stored.

Putting Out Grease Fires in Specific Locations

Ovens

Grease fires can easily ignite in gas and electric ovens. Stay calm. Leave the oven door closed. Opening it feeds oxygen to the flames inside and exposes you to intense heat. Wait for the fire to extinguish itself. If it spreads outside the oven, evacuate the house and call 911.

Microwaves

Cooking bacon in a microwave oven is a quick and convenient way to prepare breakfast. 

However, this time-saver can also ignite a grease fire inside the microwave. Don’t panic.

Leave the door closed, and unplug the microwave. This stops the fan from circulating oxygen that feeds the flames.

On the Grill

Grease fires aren’t confined to the kitchen. Backyard chefs need to be vigilant, too. If the grill flares up, turn off the fuel source immediately. Smother the fire with baking soda, salt, or sand, and close the lid. If the fire doesn’t go out in 30 seconds, use the extinguisher.

Near a Turkey Fryer

Deep-frying a turkey creates a fire hazard that doesn’t respond to covering or smothering. Always be ready with a Class K extinguisher.

How Does a Grease Fire Start?

Unlike protein fires, most grease or oil fires start when the liquid reaches its smoking point. 

That temperature varies depending on the type of oil used during the cooking process. 

In general, smoking points for most oils and animal fats range from 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Here’s a quick overview of when different cooking oils and fats start to smoke and catch fire:

Once the liquid overheats, it begins to smoke and quickly reaches a temperature that causes it to combust.

A grease fire can also ignite when hot oil in the pan spills onto the heat source. Even small grease splatters can create a fire by coming in contact with electric or gas burners.

Preventing Grease Fires

First, always keep a Class K fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure you and everyone in the house know how to use the extinguisher in case of an emergency. 

In addition to keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, follow these simple tips for preventing grease fires:

1. Stick with recommended oil temperatures by monitoring grease with a cooking thermometer.
2. Don’t add frozen or wet foods to hot grease. 
3. Avoid grease splatters by gently lowering food into the pan.
4. Never leave the kitchen unattended. 
5. Insist that kids follow fire safety rules by not playing near the stove while someone’s cooking.
6. Keep flammables away from the heat source. These include wooden utensils, oven mitts, dish towels, and even the sleeves of your clothing.
7. Keep the stovetop and oven clean. Wipe out burner drip pans and routinely check underneath them for missed spills and accumulated crumbs.
8. Pay attention to the oil while you’re cooking. If it begins to darken or starts to boil, turn off the burner right away. Step back, but stay in the kitchen until the oil cools down.
9. When hot oils begin to boil and smoke, a grease fire could be just seconds away. If you smell smoke or burning oil, don’t stop to investigate. Immediately turn off the stovetop or oven, and be careful not to move the pan.
10. Keep a lid near the stovetop, even if you don’t need it – it may come in handy to smother a grease fire. Additionally, cook with a lid on your pots whenever possible. 
11. Finally, develop a home fire safety plan. Practice evacuation with the family several times a year. Make adjustments as the children grow older or you change your home’s layout. Check smoke alarm batteries, and keep up with expiration dates on your fire extinguishers.

What to Do About Fire Damage

If you have fire damage after a grease fire in your kitchen, follow these tips:

• Call your insurance company and get a claim number
• Don’t throw away fire-damaged items until your insurance company tells you it’s okay to do so. If you throw items out prematurely, you may be tampering with evidence. 
• Cleaning up after fire damage can be dangerous and difficult, so we recommend contacting a fire damage restoration contractor like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for additional assistance. 

Dealing with a Kitchen Fire Disaster in Chicago or the Suburbs? We Can Help!

Cleaning up after a grease fire isn’t easy. It’s even harder when soot and smoke spread from the stove to other rooms in the house. 

ServiceMaster by Zaba specializes in kitchen fire damage cleanup for homes in Chicago and its Suburbs, and we handle commercial kitchen fire damage restoration too.

Stay safe while you’re cooking, and keep that extinguisher handy. We’re always here when you need us with a 24/7 response to your call: 773-647-1985.

The post How to Quickly Put Out a Grease Fire appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

If you’ve experienced a microwave fire in your household, you’re probably wondering what to do and how to begin the cleanup process. 

Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, our team provides comprehensive fire damage cleanup services for households affected by microwave fires and other disasters in the Chicago area.

In this blog, we’re sharing how to put out a microwave fire and clean up after one, as well as how to prevent future fires.

Let’s dive in.

How to Put out a Microwave Fire Quickly & Safely 

If you have a fire in the microwave, keep calm and follow these steps:

1. Close the door and turn off the microwave. Close the door (or keep it closed) and turn off the microwave. This step stops the fan. The resulting lack of oxygen will suffocate the flames and deprive the fire of fuel to keep growing. Dealing with a grease fire? It’s impossible to put out a grease fire with water, which will only repel grease and spread the flames. Instead, throw baking soda or salt on the fire. Both will smother the flames.
2. Call the fire department. If the fire continues once you’ve closed the door, contact the fire department. While UL-certified microwaves are designed to contain small fires and prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of the kitchen, it is possible for microwave fires to spread rapidly. In this event, having the fire department on its way can help prevent extensive damage. 
   
   

The above tips are the best way to put out microwave fires quickly and safely. Of course, wait until the flames are extinguished completely before you open the door to evaluate the damage. 

6 Simple Steps for Cleaning a Microwave After a Fire

Practicing microwave safety isn’t hard, but accidents can still happen. If something catches on fire in the microwave, unplug the unit. Leave the door shut, and let the flames extinguish themselves.

Once the appliance cools down, you can start cleanup. This isn’t a job for ordinary house cleaning products. Your burnt microwave is covered with a black, oily residue inside and out. A terrible odor fills the kitchen.

As bad as it looks and smells, you can usually save the appliance with the right techniques. Follow these six steps to clean your microwave after a fire.

1. Clear the Counter

Give yourself plenty of room to work on the interior and exterior of the microwave. You want to be able to reach the back vents too. Move things out of the way for the following cleaning items.

• Microwave-safe glass bowl
• White vinegar
• Sturdy sponges
• Soft, clean cloths
• Rubber gloves

2. Boil the Vinegar

Pour vinegar into the bowl until it’s three-quarters full, and boil in the microwave on high for several minutes. You want to fill the inside of the microwave with a cloud of vinegar steam.

3. Be Patient

Keep a close eye on the process. Once the microwave interior is full of steam, turn it off. Leave the door closed for 15 to 20 minutes. This should loosen up greasy soot on microwave walls.

Power Tip: As you open the microwave door, stay away from escaping steam by taking a step back.

4. Clean With Sponges

Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves. Dip a sponge in the warm vinegar, and begin cleaning the microwave inside and out. Change sponges as needed.

Power Tip: Clean microwave vents by wringing excess vinegar from a sponge and working its edge into vent slats.

5. Remove Soot Stains

To get rid of stubborn soot stains from a burnt microwave, use acetone nail polish remover. You can also use a mixture of trisodium phosphate and water.

Power Tip: Always read package safety instructions before using trisodium phosphate for any type of cleaning project.

6. Wipe Down and Dry

Use damp, clean cloths to wipe away streaks and polish surfaces. Dry the interior by leaving the microwave door open for 24 hours.

Power Tip: In case of a badly burnt microwave, you may need to repeat the above six steps several times.

How to Get the Burnt Smell Out of a Microwave

After you clean the microwave with vinegar, it can still have a strong, unpleasant smell. Eliminating the odor isn’t as big of a job as DIY smoke cleanup, but it can take several tries.

Get rid of burnt smells by boiling one of these ingredients in 2 cups of water inside the microwave. Let the steam set for an hour or more before opening the microwave door. This process can help freshen up the entire kitchen.

• One or two medium lemons chopped
• One medium orange sliced
• 1/4 cup of vanilla extract
• Several drops of peppermint oil
• 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds
  
  

When you’re satisfied with the results, leave the microwave door open so that fresh air can circulate inside.

It’s also a good practice to leave an open box of baking soda inside the microwave when not in use. This helps keep the appliance fresh between cooking sessions.

5 Microwave Fire Statistics You Need to Know About

According to recent data from the National Fire Protection Association, US fire departments respond to an annual average of 7,100 home structure fires in which a microwave was named as a cause of ignition.

While these fires caused an average of fewer than 10 deaths and 150 injuries, they were responsible for $31 million in direct property damage. 

Here are some additional microwave fire statistics you should know:

1. 61% of microwave ovens involved in fires were stationary and 39% were portable.
2. Nearly 95% of microwave fires begin in the kitchen.
3. 17% of microwave oven home structure fires were initially caused by appliance housing or casing.
4. Fires involving microwave ovens are responsible for more emergency room scald burn injuries than fires that involve any other cooking device.
5. Children under five are at an increased risk of scalds involving microwave ovens. 
   
   

While microwave ovens are some of the safest cooking devices in the kitchen, they’re still responsible for many fires and injuries each year. 

Why Did My Microwave Catch on Fire?

At first, it can be tough to understand how microwave fires happen. After all, there’s no open flame involved in the cooking process, so how does a fire start? 

Ultimately, microwave fires usually start when food overheats. Today, microwave fires almost always start because someone mis-entered cook time. Even something as simple as adding an extra five minutes to the timer can create a fire. 

Another culprit is packaging. Many microwavable meals come in packaging. When this packaging gets stuck near the wave emitter (which is located on the side of the machine) it can overheat and cause the food to catch fire. 

6 Microwave Fire Safety Tips

Prevent microwave fires with the following safety tips:

1. Read the manufacturer’s operating procedures before using a new microwave oven.
2. Never use a microwave to heat articles that are not approved for heating in a microwave oven. 
3. If possible, remove food from the packaging before heating it in a microwave oven. If you must heat food in packaging, make sure the packaging is marked as microwave-safe.
4. Do not leave a microwave oven unattended when microwaving high-heat foods like popcorn. 
5. If you have a fire in the microwave, turn it off immediately and leave the door closed. 
6. Use oven mitts to remove items from the microwave after heating them. This is a simple tip that helps prevent microwave scalds. 
   
   

While there’s no way to avoid microwave fires entirely, these six tips can help you keep your home and kitchen safe from damage. 

Dealing With a Microwave Fire in Chicago? We Can Help

A microwave fire can leave behind damages that are difficult to clean up. If the job turns into more than you can handle, let us help. Our teams clean soot and stains off countertops, fixtures, drywall and ceilings. We sanitize kitchen cabinets inside and out, and we eliminate smoke odors throughout the house.

From appliance mishaps to cooking accidents, our industry-certified technicians handle all types of kitchen fire disasters.

When you need expert kitchen fire damage cleanup, you want Chicago’s leading fire damage restoration company.

Our teams here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba are standing by and ready to answer your call: 773-647-1985

The post My Microwave is on Fire – What Should I Do? (3 Steps to Take Right Now) appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

A protein fire doesn’t produce smoke or flames either, but it’s a disaster that impacts the kitchen and your entire home.

Let’s take a closer look at how it happens and your best options for dealing with the aftermath.

What Is a Protein Fire?

A protein fire doesn’t set off billows of dark smoke or send flames leaping to the ceiling. It happens when the roast burns to a char. It occurs when your favorite chicken dish is reduced to a blackened solid.

Burned protein coats everything in the kitchen and adjacent rooms with an invisible residue. It leaves behind a foul smell that’s much stronger than regular smoke odor. The contamination is very different from kitchen fire damage caused by an oven or faulty appliance.

At first, damages might appear to be minor. It doesn’t take long to realize that a sticky film covers everything in the kitchen. The residue and terrible stench affect surrounding rooms and can easily spread through your home.

How to Clean After a Protein Fire

The best way to clean up after a protein fire is to let a certified restoration company handle the work. You can often tackle the kitchen after a regular fire, but protein fire cleanup belongs in the hands of industry-trained technicians. These do’s and don’ts make the job easier.

Do’s

• Do contact your insurance agent and a fire restoration company as soon as possible.
• Do throw out packaged and canned food items in cabinets and pantry closets.
• Do be aware that your touch spreads protein fire residue through the house. Keep hands washed.
• Do protect carpets and floors by laying down old sheets. Minimize foot traffic in contaminated areas.

Don’ts

• Don’t try removing the gummy film with household cleaners. They won’t work.
• Don’t try to figure out how to get burnt smells out of your home. Leave it to the pros.
• Don’t wash affected clothes and fabrics. They’ll need specialized cleaning.
• Don’t try to take care of grease stains. You’ll push contaminants deeper into surfaces.
• Don’t wait to call certified fire restoration specialists. Time isn’t on your side.

How to Prevent Protein Fires

Most house fires start out as cooking mishaps. The same precautions you take to prevent kitchen fires help minimize the risks of protein fires. Use these five tips to prevent a protein fire in your kitchen.

1. Cook with safe techniques specifically recommended for different proteins.
2. Avoid excessive temperatures and extended cooking times.
3. Use splatter guards to keep grease stains from accumulating on surrounding surfaces.
4. Make sure the kitchen is closely monitored during the cooking process.
5. Always keep an OSHA-rated Class K fire extinguisher within easy reach of the cooking area.

Why You Need Fire Restoration Professionals

Dealing with the aftermath of such a fire isn’t easy. Walls, floors, cabinets and fixtures are covered with a gooey film. The almost invisible layering coats appliances, furniture and fabrics and fills the house with a foul smell. Cleanup is never a DIY project.

Fire restoration professionals tackle the job with specialized equipment and products. Industry-certified technicians remove damaging residue and eliminate overwhelming odors from all surfaces and materials. The process is involved, and it can take several days.

The overall time required to complete protein fire cleanup depends on these factors:

• The type of food that was the fire source
• The degree of temperature that resulted in the fire
• How long it burned before being extinguished
• The extent of residue and odor contamination throughout the home
  
  

By calling in a fire damage restoration company, you know a difficult job will be taken care of as efficiently and quickly as possible. You also have access to experienced professionals who can help with everything from cleaning personal belongings to filing your fire damage insurance claim.

Dealing With a Protein Fire in Chicago, IL? We Can Help

If you’re dealing with protein fire contamination in your home, count on us here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba. Our teams completely restore fire-damaged kitchens for Chicago residents, and we cover the suburbs too.

We’re here for you 24/7 ready to answer your call: 773-647-1985

The post Protein Fires: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Electrical Fire Statistics

The Most Common Sources of Electrical Fires in Homes

1. Equipment Wears Out

2. Older Wiring Begins to Fail

3. Tripped Circuits Don’t Cause Alarm

4. Lamps and Extension Cords Become Overloaded

Electrical Fire: What To Do When It Breaks Out

• Take Out the Culprit

If you can identify the fire’s source appliance or device and you have safe access to its cord and outlet, unplug it.

Life-Saving Power Tip: Water conducts electricity. Don’t ever use it to extinguish an electrical fire. Doing so puts you and others in immediate danger of electrocution.

• An Unusual Life-Saver

Small, contained fires can be doused with ordinary baking soda. Its sodium bicarbonate composition is the same substance used in Class C fire extinguishers designed for handling electrical fires.

• Take the Oxygen Out

Small fires can also be put out with very heavy blankets or clothing. Covering flames cuts off their oxygen supply and smothers the fire.

• Check Your Fire Extinguisher

Before turning an extinguisher on an electrical fire, check the classification code letters. Most extinguishers are marked as multi-purpose Class A-B-C which means that they’re suitable for a range of fire types.

1) Firmly pull out the safety pin that locks the extinguisher’s discharge mechanism.

2) Stand several feet back, point the nozzle directly at the fire, and aim for the flame base.

3) Slowly squeeze the release lever. Don’t let up unless you want to stop discharging the extinguishing agent.

4) Put out the fire with steady sweeps from side to side looking out for flames pushed away from your target.

Power Tip: Ideally, you want to use a Class C fire extinguisher specially formulated for putting out electrical fires.

Life-Saving Power Tip: When dealing with an electrical fire, never use an extinguisher rated Class A only. This type of extinguisher is water-based and can create a serious electrocution hazard.

Dealing with Electrical Fire Damage in Chicago?

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