Grease fire breaks out in Yuma commercial kitchen
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) says having fire safety technology in commercial kitchens is important, following a fire at a local restaurant.
Francisco Leon, Public Information Officer for YFD, says, “Investigations entered the restaurant, and found that a hood system had gone off and had put out a kitchen fire. At that point, they decided they can handle the incident themselves, they canceled the balance of the commercial assignment.”
YFD says a grease fire ignited in one of the cooking pans at the Panda Express on Avenue 8E and 32nd Street, right by the Foothills Walmart.
The fire alarm activated the hood suppression system, which helps prevent grease fires through ventilation.
YFD applauds the business for having the up-to-date fire safety equipment.
“The fire could have been a lot worse, so thanks to that suppression system, the fire was extinguished right away, nobody was hurt, they were able to go back, they were able to reopen once the system was recharged,” says Leon.
YFD Fire inspector Jaymie Jones shares information and tips on how to stay safe in commercial kitchens.
“For a commercial kitchen, the fire code recommends, it requires actually that they get them cleaned, their pit systems cleaned, minimum every three, more if they do a higher volume of cooking they should get them serviced every six months, so that stuff’s imperative just to make sure those systems don’t get clogged up with grease and they do activate like this one did,” Jones says.
When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, YFD says it’s important to practice safety not only for yourself but for others around you.