Above and Beyond: Kitchen fires increasing challenge for GI firefighters

by Ray Pauley

Public Information Officer, Grand Island Fire Co.

According to the National Fire Protection Association Division of Fire Analysis and Research, 40 percent of all home structure fires and 36 percent of occupant injuries are caused by cooking equipment. In addition, 59 percent of those injured tried to put out the fire themselves. Grand Island Fire Co. Chief Kevin Koch and his Grand Island firefighters are well aware of these life-threatening complications when handling these particular fire situations.

On Nov. 9, 2010, they encountered a fast-moving kitchen fire on Carter Drive, which caused an estimated $35,000 total damage. The occupants escaped unharmed.

During December 2010, firefighters responded to five separate incidents involving kitchen/stove fires:

•Dec. 1 - Bedell Road, no damage.

•Dec. 19 - East River Road, no damage.

•Dec. 24 - Blackmon Road, $400 damage.

•Dec. 25 - Huth Road, $500 damage.

•Dec. 29 - Stony Point Road, no damage.

So far this year, firefighters have responded to one such fire emergency, on Jan. 2 at Enola Road, with no damage reported.

Although several of these fires were out upon arrival, GIFC officials were thankful that there were no occupant injuries ore worse.