Where there is smoke, there could be a fire.

While cooking fires can be prevented through careful attention, cooks should also know what to do in case of a food flare-up.

In 36 percent of the fires in a 10-city study of 2,085 cooking fires, people reported attempting to put out the fire. Of those people, a significant percent added risk to the situation by using incorrect extinguishing agents. The study, undertaken by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), sought to determine the behavioral causes of residential cooking fires.

"We were disturbed by the confusion surrounding proper methods of extinguishing cooking fires," stated AHAM President Bob Holding. "If a cooking fire starts, the most important thing is to get everyone out of the house and call the fire department, in Peabody dial 9-1-1. But if you decide you can extinguish the fire yourself, knowing what to do -- and not to do -- becomes equally crucial."

The study identified water and flour as the top two improper extinguishing agents, both of which add to the risk in a cooking fire. Water can spread a grease fire, while flour provides added fuel. In a number of the oven fires, cooks unknowingly provided oxygen to the flames by opening the oven door.

In case of a cooking fire AHAM and NASFM suggest leaving the house and calling the fire department immediately. If you decide to fight a cooking fire:

• Slide the lid that fits the pan in
  which you are cooking tightly over it, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools. Never carry the pan outside;
• Put out cooking fires with a fire extinguisher or use baking soda. Make sure you have a multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it; and
• To put out an oven fire, keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat;

"Keep a working smoke detector on every level in your home and test it monthly," reminded NASFM President Tom Brace.

Courtesy of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a full-service trade association representing the manufacturers of major and portable appliances sold in the United States, and suppliers to the industry.