Cooking Fires
House fires most commonly start in the kitchen, and the chip pan fire is one of the most notorious examples of why you should never use water on an oil-based fire.
The Science Behind Oil Fires: Water is denser than oil. Upon meeting the burning fat, it sinks to the bottom of the pan. The heat causes rapid expansion of the water into steam. Because of the confined space in the chip pan, the burning oil spews out with explosive force. The vaporized water then acts to spread the oil out, increasing its surface area and contact with oxygen, letting it burn more easily. This escalates a manageable situation into a deadly one: around 50 people are killed in the UK every year by chip pan fires.
Snuffing Out Cooking Fires: With most cooking fires, the best course of action is to attempt to snuff out the flames. On a chip pan or stovetop fire, a fire blanket is the best solution. If you don’t have one, a slightly damp tea towel will work. Always turn off the heat first and remember – never throw water over the flames.
In shallow pans, simply lidding the pan can be enough to put the fire out safely. A very large quantity of bicarbonate of soda or salt can be used to snuff flames out, too. Don’t use flour, though; flour is flammable and will simply add fuel to the fire.
Microwave and Oven Fires: These can occur over long periods with high cooking temperatures. Cutting the heat and the flow of air should put a quick stop to small flames, so switch the appliance off and leave the door closed. Stay vigilant and do not be tempted to open the door until the flames are completely gone – reintroducing oxygen can make things much worse.
Electrical Fires
Similar to a chip pan fire, water should not be used on an electrical fire. If it’s safe to do so, try to unplug the device first to stop the flow of power and production of heat. Bicarbonate of soda in large quantities can snuff the flames, releasing CO2 as it becomes heated – but larger fires should be left alone when they become unmanageable. If that’s the case, exit as quickly and safely as possible, and call the emergency services.
Paper, Furniture and Non-chemical Fires
Most other small fires can be safely extinguished with water, as long as they’re not chemical, oil/fat, or electrical. Use a mop bucket or washing-up bowl full of water to douse the flames.
Fire Curtains: A Crucial Addition to Fire Safety
While fire extinguishers and other methods can be effective for small fires, there are scenarios where more robust solutions are necessary. This is where fire curtains come into play.
What Are Fire Curtains?
Fire curtains are specialized barriers that drop down in the event of a fire to contain flames and smoke, preventing them from spreading to other areas of the building. They are particularly useful in large open spaces where traditional compartmentation isn’t feasible.
Benefits of Fire Curtains:
- Containment: They create compartments within large spaces, preventing the spread of fire and smoke.
- Safety: Fire curtains ensure safe evacuation routes by containing the fire.
- Flexibility: They can be installed in various settings, including doorways, windows, and large open spaces.
Coopers Fire Curtains: Leading the Way in Fire Protection
Coopers Fire is a pioneer in the development and installation of fire curtains. They have worked closely with certification bodies to ensure their products meet the highest standards of fire safety.
Why Choose Coopers Fire Curtains?
- Quality Assurance: Coopers Fire curtains are rigorously tested and certified to meet international standards such as BS 8524 and ISO 21524.
- Innovation: Coopers Fire is continually innovating to enhance the safety and efficiency of their fire curtains.
- Expertise: With decades of experience, Coopers Fire provides comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of any building.
For more detailed information on fire curtains, you can visit the Coopers Fire website.
Fire Safety is Our Priority
Our expertise has led Coopers Fire to become a leader in fire safety. For more information on our educational training courses or our non-intrusive, life-saving fire and smoke protection, call us on 02392 454 405 or email info@coopersfire.com.
For additional resources on fire safety and protection, you can refer to:
By combining practical knowledge of handling minor fires with advanced solutions like fire curtains, you can ensure a higher level of safety for your home or workplace.
