Aurora Man Extinguishes Grease Fire But Suffers Severe Burns: FD

AURORA, IL — After pan containing grease caught on fire, an Aurora man successfully extinguished the kitchen fire but suffered severe burns. The 37-year-old was transported to an area Level 1 trauma and burn center in critical condition after the Monday afternoon fire, officials said.

Aurora firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 4000 block of Chesapeake Drive around 12:06 p.m. Monday. When they arrived at the three-story, multi-family apartment building, no fire was showing as it had been extinguished by the man, officials said.

The July 4 incident was the second time within a week that the Aurora Fire Department responded to a fire to find someone suffering severe burns after attempting to extinguish the fire. On June 30, crews rescued a 64-year-old man after he tried putting out a heavy fire that started in a townhouse complex on Asbury Drive.

RELATED: Man, 64, Severely Burned Attempting To Extinguish Townhome Fire: FD

In an effort to help locals and prevent future cooking oil or grease fires, fire department officials shared several tips:

• Have a fire extinguisher on each level of your home, and know how to use them.
• Know how to use an extinguisher by remembering the acronym P.A.S.S.:
  • Pull the pin
  • Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the handle
  • Sweep the nozzle side to side

Officials also provides tips for if a fire starts at home:

• Alert other occupants to evacuate, shut the door to the room where the fire is located, get out and call 911.
• If you attempt to extinguish any type of fire, ensure that other occupants are alerted and call 911 first.
• When attempting to extinguish any type of fire, ensure your back is towards the closest exit, and then follow the following recommendations:
  • Use a lid or cookie sheet to cover the pan or pour baking or salt on the flames, then turn off the stove or oven.
• Don't use water or flour to extinguish a grease fire. Use an extinguisher if you have the appropriate kind for the type of fire, and get out if the fire can't be extinguished within a few seconds.

Firefighters encourage community members to have working smoke detectors on all levels of their home. They also recommend residents create an escape plan should a fire start in your home.