Cooking mishap causes downtown structure fire

Reno Fire Department (RFD) Investigators determined that a structure fire in downtown Reno started in the kitchen from an energized burner that ignited combustibles that were placed next to it.

On October 3, 2022, at 8:13 p.m., crews responded to a structure fire at 1200 Riverside Drive. The fire was contained to one apartment on the 11th floor, but it caused extensive damage to the entire unit. The female occupant escaped, but she was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center for minor smoke inhalation.

According to RFD, cooking is the number-one cause of fires in the United States. RFD would like the public to be aware of the following cooking safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop, so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and children should remain at least three feet away. Pan handles should be turned inward to prevent any accidental spills.
• Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear, to prevent family members from tripping on items such as toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface and a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
• Never use a fryer inside or on a wooden deck, under a patio cover or in a garage.
• Do not overfill the fryer.
• Never leave the fryer unattended because, without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use, as the oil can remain hot for several hours.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.

If a fire does occur in the kitchen, know how to calmly handle the situation. Grease fires cause the most injuries. Never pour water on a grease fire. Smother it, if possible, and let it die out. If grease ignites in your cooking pan, quickly put on an oven mitt and slide the lid over the flames as opposed to dropping the lid down from above. Turn off the burner and leave the pan exactly where it is so that it can cool. Never attempt to carry it outside or put it in the sink, as the fire can quickly spread to other combustibles or persons.

If a fire occurs in the oven, immediately close the oven door and turn it off. If the fire doesn't go out right away, evacuate and call 9-1-1.

If a fire occurs in a microwave, close the microwave door and keep it closed. Turn the microwave off, and unplug it if you can do so safely. Leave it closed, and don't use it again until you can have the appliance checked out by a technician.

The Reno Fire Department also recommends the purchase of a multi-purpose (ABC rated) Fire Extinguisher. To properly use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym, P.A.S.S:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the trigger.
• Sweep from side to side.