Lawton, OK — The Lawton Fire Department is urging residents to take proper precautions when cooking, especially when dealing with grease, to help prevent kitchen fires. Grease fires can escalate quickly and become extremely dangerous if not handled correctly.
In the event of a grease fire, residents are advised not to use water, as it can cause the fire to spread rapidly through splattering hot grease.
Instead, firefighters recommend turning off the burner immediately to stop the flow of heat. Then, carefully slide a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan to smother the flames by cutting off the oxygen supply. It is important to leave the lid in place until the pan is completely cool, as removing it too soon can allow the fire to reignite.
Residents should also avoid attempting to carry a burning pan, as this can lead to spills and further spread the fire.
The Lawton Fire Department encourages everyone to keep a metal lid nearby when cooking and to stay calm and act quickly in the event of a fire. These simple but critical steps can prevent injuries and damage.
