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Grease Fire Nets $40,000 Tab For Chicken Dinner

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TBO.com

Published: May 23, 2008

TAMPA – What was supposed to be a simple fried chicken dinner led to $40,000 in damage, Tampa Fire Rescue officials say.

Ronald Wilson, 36, told firefighters he was frying up the chicken in his kitchen about 9:45 p.m. Thursday when the grease caught fire. Wilson picked up the flaming pan to take it outside and dropped it, splattering grease throughout the kitchen, Capt. Bill Wade said.

Wilson ran from the room and called for help. It took firefighters about 10 minutes to get the flames under control at the home, 1010 E. 31st Ave. Wilson was treated at the scene for minor burns to his hands, Wade said.

The fire heavily damaged the kitchen, Wade said. The American Red Cross helped Wilson and a friend find temporary shelter.

Officials say the best way to prevent grease fires is to keep tight-fitting lids handy for pots and pans. If the food catches fire, put on a kitchen mitt and clamp on the lid. They also recommend cooks keep a small fire extinguisher nearby.

Never throw water on a grease fire, because that will cause the burning grease virtually to explode, sending grease all over the kitchen, firefighters say.

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