A fire which erupted in the kitchen of a two-family home in Haverhill Tuesday morning forced 12 people, including the homeowner out of their residences.
The blaze broke out around 6 a.m. and heavily damaged the first-floor kitchen, news reports said. Although firefighters saved the building, a dozen residents will have to find temporary living accommodations until the building is repaired.
How Did the Fire Occur?
The kitchen fire may have started as a grease fire. According to a 2nd-floor resident Ricardo Arias, 18, a woman on the first floor was cooking breakfast and cooking oil splattered on the stove, which then burst into flames.
Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire, but the blaze does not appear to be suspicious, officials said.
Dangers of Grease Fires
According to a CBS report, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in the United States, grease fires being the main culprit.
More than 480 people die each year and countless others suffer burn injuries in accidents caused by cooking fires. It only takes a few minutes for a small grease fire to flare up and consume an entire home, causing nearly $900 million dollars in property damages each year.
How to Extinguish Grease Fires?
The most important thing to remember is not to use water to extinguish the fire.
- DON’T use water — it only makes things worse.
- Use a fire extinguisher that is dry and chemical-based.
- Evacuate the building and call 911.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you have suffered burn injuries due to a fire accident in a Massachusetts accident caused by a defective product or someone’s negligence, contact the experienced Boston personal injury lawyers at the Kiley Law Group to determine if you are entitled to a compensation for your injuries. Find out what is your best course of legal action today.
Call 1-888-208-1695 for a Free Consultation.
