Sedona Fire officials say cooking fires are responsible for 480 deaths on average per year and over 1 billion dollars of property damage. Officials say keeping the area around the stove clear of clutter and staying attentive while cooking goes a long way toward reducing hazard. If a grease fire starts, cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet. Never use water on a grease fire. Turn off the heat source. If it’s small and manageable, pour baking soda or salt on it to smother the fire. If that doesn’t work spray the fire with a class B fire extinguisher. If you are unable to extinguish the fire, get out, closing the door behind you to help contain the fire, and call 911. Officials say three out of five non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victim tried to fight the fire themselves. The most common injuries sustained were burns to the hands and lower arms.
