Warning: Be careful in the kitchen - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Warning: Be careful in the kitchen

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Assistant Chief Allen Cravey Assistant Chief Allen Cravey
ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

Albany firefighters say more than half of the structure fires they've worked this year started in kitchens.

A new report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.

Most of those fires are due to unattended cooking. Frying poses the greatest risk. Remember: never try to put out a grease fire with water, and don't throw flour on the fire. @@

"If your stove does catch on fire, if it is where you can, turn it off and try and cover the fire with a lid. If the fire has grown beyond where you are able to do that, don't try and remove the pots and pans. Get everyone out of the house and call 911," said Assistant Chief Allen Cravey.

Firefighters say you should always stay nearby food you are cooking. Make sure burners are free of debris and grease, turn pot handles inward, and keep children out of the area.

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