Dealing with a kitchen fire is nothing to joke about. When the unthinkable happens it can be more devastating when you are not sure what to do in regards to fire damage restoration. Luckily you have found the right restoration companies. Welcome to Restoration Doctor. We are the best in Miami.

 

Common Causes of Kitchen Fires

Insurance company data shows that of all property losses in restaurants exceeding $100 000 are a direct result of a fire.

 

Approximately 40% of restaurant and hotel fires start in the kitchen and 19% starts at the stove. In addition to the risk of injury the cost of property and material damage is significant, often more than $50 000 per restaurant. It also leads to further heavy costs due to loss of revenue while the restaurant is closed. The insurance may, or may not, cover this lost revenue.

 

Gasoline bottles must be removed at an adjacent fire due to the risk of the fire spreading. A fire that started in a neighboring area threatens to take off if it manages to ignite the fat in a polluted duct.

 

Avoid Fire Damage Restoration – Common Causes

• Flammables Near Elements and Open Flames
  • Kitchen counters are typically full of flammables. These items must be kept away from the cooking area at all times. Hand towels, paper towel holders, napkins, cleaning rags, food packaging, wooden utensils, fabric oven mitts, cookbooks, and recipe cards should never be adjacent to the stovetop.

 

• Frying with Oil
  • Frying food is a leading cause of kitchen fires due to the use of oil and resulting fires that are fast spreading. If you must fry with oil, take note of the following precautions:
    • Don’t deep fry by heating oil in a pot. Instead, invest in a thermostatically-controlled deep fryer.
    • Pan fry in a thermostatically-controlled electric skillet.
    • Use only enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Pan-fried food should not be submerged in oil or grease. Alternatively, switch to a non-stick cooking spray and apply a light coat before frying.
  • When done cooking, clean the cooking area and adjacent counters so that there is no oil and grease residue/splatter left on any surface. Failure to do so sets the stage for fire the next time you cook.

 

• Setting the Cooking Temperature Too High
  • The National Fire Protection Association credits the ignition of food as being the culprit for nearly two-thirds of kitchen fires. Whether frying, baking, or broiling, leave yourself with enough time to cook so that you don’t need to crank up the stove or oven temperature. Preheat exactly as the recipe calls for, and when using a gas stove, never let the flame rise over the pan. This may require some patience when someone in the household is getting hit with hunger pangs, but in the end, it will help reduce the risk of cooking fires.

 

• Walking Away from an Open Flame or Heated Element
  • Never turn your back on the kitchen when frying food on the stove, especially when you have a gas burner with an open flame. Resist the urge to multitask by doing the laundry or other chores that have you leave the kitchen.

 

• Faulty Appliances
  • If you are cooking with old appliances, you could be increasing the risk of fire. While a given range, stove, or oven may appear to be in working order, less evident internal damage can cause it to overheat or spark an electrical fire. If it has passed the ten-year mark then it’s time for an inspection and repair where needed. As a rule of thumb, if repairs add up to more than 50 percent of the cost of a new unit, it is time to consider a new appliance.

 

• Loose Fitting Clothing
  • What you wear in the kitchen can have a big impact on the risk of fire and personal injury. Loose fitting clothing can result in close contact with burner flames and red-hot elements, and depending upon the fabric, can quickly ignite. Lose the loose-fitting clothing and when wearing an apron be sure to keep it tied with the drawstrings fastened at the back.

 

• Cooking While Tired
  • Cooking while fatigued is dangerous because your cognitive abilities are hampered, and you may forget to turn off the oven or stove. Don’t stumble out of bed and straight into the kitchen to get the kids’ breakfast ready. Instead, splash water on your face, brush your teeth, and whatever else you need to do to refresh your mind and body before cooking in the early AM. In addition, avoid cooking late at night. If you must prepare food for the next day, do so at least three hours before bedtime, which also leaves you plenty of time to notice that you may have left the stove or oven on after cooking.

 

• Cooking While Impaired
  • Cooking under the influence has consequences. Your physical and cognitive performance levels will be impaired and you will exercise less caution with respect to all of the above. This is not to say that you can’t enjoy a glass of wine while cooking, just don’t sample too much of the goods when making your famous pan-seared steak with cognac sauce, until it’s ready.

 

• Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen
  • This truism applies to fire prevention too. A busy kitchen is not just a messy one, it increases the risk of accidents that can lead to fire. Close quarters can have someone attempt to squeeze past the cook and inadvertently knock over a frying pan. Tell family and guests ahead of time that they should get what they need out of the fridge or pantry before you start cooking because once you do, the “No Trespassing” sign is up until dinner is served.

 

• Not Having a Kitchen Appropriate Fire Extinguisher
  • You should keep a fire extinguisher near the cooking area, but not just any kind will do. Make sure you are utilizing the appropriate fire extinguisher based on the type of fire.

 

Contact Us

When it comes to fire damage restoration, we know exactly what you need in order to make sure you are protected. We are professionals. Restoration Doctor is one of the best restoration companies in Miami. Call us today for more information.