Kitchen Fire Suppression

The majority of fires start in the kitchen. In fact, 2 out of every 3 fire service calls to domestic residences are for kitchen related fires. For this reason, it is essential that every home considers the most effective kitchen fire protection. The two most common kitchen fire types are grease fires and oven fires.

Grease Fires

Grease fires occur when oil or grease type foods - or a build up of grease around a cooker- ignites due to reaching a very high temperature. Grease fires can spread quickly as they usually burst into ignition rather than building slowly. Grease fires can quickly extend to kitchen units and other combustible items. Unnoticed, a grease fire will take over a house or restaurant in minutes. Where possible put a lid on a pan or saucepan that begins to flame, this will suppress the flames and extinguish the fire.

NEVER PUT WATER ON A GREASE FIRE! Water splashes the grease, splitting the fire into smaller sections which collaborate into a larger fire. The grease will also burn you as it is splashes, potentially scarring your face or even blinding you.

Oven Fires

Oven fires aren’t usually as serious as grease fires because they can be contained within the over itself. An oven is designed for excessive heat and is therefore a reliable place for a fire to be trapped. An oven will usually suffocate a fire if the door is left shut. However, if the oven door is opened, flames can gush out causing injury and allowing the fire to feed from oxygen and spread quickly.

If a fire breaks out in your kitchen then follow these procedures:

1. Set off a fire alarm if possible
2. Shout for everyone to evacuate the premises immediately
3. Call 999 as you exit the building using a mobile phone if possible
4. If you are near a fire extinguisher and the fire is small then attempt to extinguish the fire. If the fire looks too big to be extinguished then it probably is and you should evacuate immediately.

Kitchen Fire Sprinklers – The Ultimate in Kitchen Fire Suppression

Kitchen fires can get out of hand very quickly, and tackling a fire yourself is never an ideal situation. If you have young children, do a lot of cooking or own a restaurant, then you should definitely consider the installation of kitchen fire sprinklers. Fire sprinklers provide the ultimate in kitchen fire protection and allow you to sleep safe in the knowledge that you will never lose your home or restaurant business to fire.