Did You See Fire Trucks On Wednesday?

ALAMEDA, CA — The Alameda Fire Department tackled a kitchen fire Wednesday in the 1500 block of Alameda Avenue. Traffic was disrupted for a time as firefighters worked to put out the flames, clear smoke and conduct an overhaul.

To avoid a kitchen fire in your own home, the U.S. Fire Administration and local fire departments offer these tips recommend that you avoid leaving your stove unattended while cooking; keep flammable materials like towels and curtains away from the stovetop; use a pan lid to smother small fires if grease catches on fire; and ensuring you have a working smoke detector in your kitchen.

Here are the key points to remember:

• Stay vigilant while cooking: Always stay near the stove when frying, boiling, or grilling food.
• Turn off the heat source: If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a moment, turn off the stove.
• Use a lid to smother flames: If a pan catches fire, quickly cover it with a lid to extinguish the flames. Do not attempt to move a burning pan.
• Keep flammable items away: Store towels, oven mitts, and curtains at a safe distance from the stove.
• Clean regularly: Regularly clean your stovetop to remove grease buildup that can easily ignite.
• Be aware of clothing: Wear tight-fitting clothing while cooking to avoid loose sleeves catching fire.
• Check smoke detectors: Ensure your smoke detectors are working properly and test them regularly.