RICHLAND, Wash.-Fire crews responded to a microwave fire in Richland on Thanksgiving morning.
The Richland Fire Department and Benton County Fire District 4 responded to a home at 513 Smith Avenue around 11:30 a.m. and were able to isolate the fire to the microwave.
According to Battalion Chief Joe DeRousie of the Richland Fire Department, the fire started as the family heated up food in the microwave. The family did evacuate due to the fire, however, they were able to get back into their home by about 12:40 p.m.
While this fire was quickly contained, most kitchen fires do occur on Thanksgiving and the Food and Drug Administration suggests a few microwave safety tips to keep your family and kitchen safe when cooking.
Microwave safety tips from the FDA:
Follow the recommended operating procedures that came with the owner’s manual.Use microwave safe cookware specifically designed to be used in the microwave.Do not use your microwave if the door does not close properly.Stop using your microwave if it continues to operate with the door open.As an added precaution don’t stand against or near the microwave for long periods of time while it’s in use.Do not heat liquids longer than recommended in the instructions that came with your model.Regularly clean your microwave to prevent any food debris from catching fire.
