How to Prevent an Oven Fire in Your Zeeland Home

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

This soot covered kitchen was caused by an oven fire.

This homeowner in Zeeland feel victim to an oven fire.  Luckily they were able to contain the fire to the oven, but smoke and soot traveled throughout the entire home.  Here are some common mistakes that could catch your oven on fire:

• Placing Greasy Food Too Close to Heat Fat (i.e. cooking oil) too close to a heating source can spark a flame.  Make sure to keep generously oiled foods, especially those that have a high moisture content, on lower oven racks when broiling.
• Using Wax Paper Instead of Parchment Paper There is a big difference between wax paper and parchment paper when cooking.  Wax paper is not heat-resistant the way parchment paper is, so it will most definitely melt when exposed to prolonged, high heat and then he paper can easily catch fire.  Oven-safe parchment paper may darken in the oven, but will not catch fire.
• Dropping Food in the Oven It is crucial to always clean up any food that may have dropped to the bottom of your oven.  Leftover bits may catch fire, or at least burn and smoke at the base of your oven.  Larger pieces of dry food, such as a baguette, may even catch fire instantly.  Always place loose food items on a baking sheet, and check your oven for food pieces before and after each use.
• Forgetting to Use a Baking Sheet A very common mistake is forgetting to place a baking sheet under dishes to avoid dripping.  Pies and pizzas should be baked either directly on a baking sheet or with a baking sheet on the rack beneath to catch any drippings.
• Leaving Your Food Unattended Whenever you leave food unattended, you're at risk for it to burn or you may forget how long it's been cooking.  Always keep an eye on food you're cooking and set a timer as a reminder.

If a fire does break out in your oven, the most important thing to remember is to keep the door closed, turn off the oven, and keep an eye on the flame. This will keep the fire contained and should die down.

Have you experienced an oven fire?  Call SERVPRO of Holland/West Ottawa County today, 616-396-8180