Accidental Grease Fire Destroys Home in Live Oak

At 2:45 p.m. yesterday, Central Fire responded to a house fire at 1781 Sommerfield Avenue in Live Oak. The blaze was caused by an accidental grease fire in the kitchen and spread to the entire house, according to Battalion Chief Owen Miller of Central Fire who responded to the call. 

“Flames and smoke were seen coming from all of the windows and doors,” said Miller. 

Initial reports that there were still people inside the home were found to be negative, and the single female occupant, an adult male, and all five children were accounted for. The family’s three cats were not found.

Fire Fighters entered the home through the front of the house while another crew fought the fire from the rear of the home, according to Bay City News. Fire crews were able to get the initial fire under control in about 20 minutes, but they remained on the scene for six hours, salvaging debris and making sure there were no remaining hot spots, said Miller.

The majority of the house suffered from heat and smoke damage, according to Miller.

“There will be very few remains within the house that they can recover due to the extent of the fire and smoke damage,” said Miller.

A male resident who tried to put out the fire was treated for smoke inhalation and 1st degree burns. Two fire fighters were also treated for minor injuries.

The family, now displaced, will recieve assistance from the Santa Cruz County Red Cross, according to Bay City News. 

In total, there were four engines, one truck, and two battalion chiefs called to the scene.

 Central Fire’s Tips For Avoiding Grease Fires:

1. Make sure you have the correct size pot for whatever you are cooking. If you are frying oil, make sure there is ample space to hold the grease and food you are dropping into it. 
2. Make sure you have a tight fitting lid that covers the entire opening of the pot you are using. 
3. Have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. You can also use baking soda to extinguish a grease fire. Do not use flour instead of baking soda, it will not be effective!

Should you have a fire:

1. Turn the heat off. 
2. Cover the pot with the tight fitting lid.
3. Use your fire extinguisher or baking soda to extinguish flames. 
4. DO NOT pick up the pan and bring it outside — this often spreads the fire.
5. DO NOT put water on a grease fire, it will actually increase the flames.