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City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Martin, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cooking fire leaves one injured
Edina, Minn., June 12, 2014 – The Edina Fire Department was called to the 5300 block of Halifax Avenue
at 9 p.m. Thursday, June 5, after receiving a call from a homeowner about a cooking fire.
The fire was already extinguished by the time fire crews arrived to the scene. However, water was poured on
the grease fire, causing a large flare-up that left black marks on the home’s ceiling. One person received minor
injuries while trying to put out the fire.
“When water is poured on a grease fire, the water vaporizes and expands almost instantaneously, carrying the
flaming oil particles with it,” explained Fire Marshal Jeff Siems. “The explosive force of this instant fireball
creates a much larger, more dangerous fire.”
If there’s ever a grease fire, Siems urges you to call 9-1-1and then follow these steps:
Let others in the home know there’s a fire.
Do NOT pour water on it.
If safe to do so, turn off the source of heat (burner/element).
If safe to do so, cover the flames with a lid or another pot to smother the fire. Do not remove the lid
until everything has cooled.
If you can't cover it, dump a large amount of baking soda on the fire.
Be careful with a glass lid as they can break from the fire’s extreme heat. Siems also said not to throw flour or
sugar onto a grease fire, as it can cause an explosion similar to throwing water on a grease fire.
“Whatever people do, remember that your safety and health are most important,” Siems said. “Call 9-1-1
early and only attempt to suppress the fire if it is safe to do so.”
For more information, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Fire or call 952-826-0330.
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