In an explosive demonstration, temporary migrant workers learned how quickly a burning pot of oil can get out of hand and why you should never put water on it.
It may have been aimed at Recognized Seasonal Employers (RSE) employees in Nelson, but the lessons apply to all of us, said Nick Fry, advisor to the fire and emergency response community.
Fry said FENZ had statistically and anecdotally noted incidents taking place in Pasifika communities, including RSE workers, who may have no experience in the kitchen.
“Our goal is to put them all ahead in their rollout, and we’re figuring out how to achieve that,” he said.
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Saturday’s demonstration, in front of about 25 workers from Vanuatu, was a test of that goal.
So what should you do if you’re faced with a kitchen fire?
If it was safe, you can put the lid back on the pot or pan and then turn off the power or gas, Fry said.
If you didn’t have a lid, you could use a flat baking dish, wooden cutting board, or fire blanket – “but only if it’s safe to do so.”
“If there’s any doubt, we say, get out and stay outside, and call 111,” Fry said.
What you should never do is put water on a boiling pan of oil. The effects can be seen in the video above.
“The flames don’t lie,” Fry said.
“If you put water on a pan of fat, the water turns to steam, expands and just explodes with the oil.”
To prevent fires, never leave cooking food unattended and do not drink alcohol while cooking, he said.