No homeowner ever wants to face any type of fire. But did you know that some types of fire damage can be more difficult to remedy than others? If you experience a kitchen fire that starts when cooking protein-rich dishes, you might end up with what we call a “protein fire”.
Protein fires can be extra problematic, because after charring your food the fire coats surfaces in an invisible cloak of residue. At first, you might think the fire damage is like any other. But upon touching any surface in the room, you realize everything is covered in an invisible, sticky deposit. The odor from a protein fire is even worse than usual, too, and more difficult to eradicate from the home.
The bottom line is that the residue and smell left behind a protein fire will require special training and equipment to clean up.
You can prevent a protein fire by …
- Always following instructions regarding cooking temperatures and times
- Using the recommended cooking technique for the dish you’re preparing
- Watching over your food as it cooks; don’t leave the home, don’t take a long shower, and don’t watch TV without checking on your meal occasionally
- Use guards to prevent splashing grease
- Following all recommendations when grilling food outside; you don’t want your porch or deck damaged, either!
And of course, keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. In the worst-case scenario, you can at least put out the fire quickly when it starts.
If you do experience a protein fire in your kitchen, call your insurance company and then call us. They can inform you regarding your coverage limits, and we can evaluate the mess left behind. We will tell you what can be salvaged, what should be discarded, and how to best proceed with cleaning the damage and restoring your kitchen.
