Flames from a small grease fire in a stove-top pan exploded 20 feet into the air Wednesday after Great Bend Firefighter Michael Reifschneider sprayed a small about of water onto the blaze.
“Don’t try this at home,” Capt. Luke McCormick reminded an audience of third and fourth graders.
The Great Bend Fire Department is teaching children how to prevent kitchen fires during Fire Prevention Month. This week they’ve started visiting all of the elementary schools in Great Bend. On days when it isn’t too windy, their program includes the grease fire demonstration, which was performed Wednesday morning at Jefferson Elementary.
“You never want to put water on a grease fire,” McCormick told the students. “Normally, we (firefighters) put water on fire, but water and oil do not mix.”
The best way to smother a small grease fire in a pan is to cover it with a lid, firefighters said.
Firefighter Mike Smith conducted a fire extinguisher demonstration, with the help of a Jefferson teacher, and Firefighter Matt Petersen talked about microwave safety. Sparky the Fire Dog demonstrated how to Stop, Drop and Roll if clothing is on fire. McCormick noted that Firefighter Dustin Spore is also helping with school demonstrations, although he was unable to be there on Wednesday.
Some of the lessons for the kitchen include:
• Don’t reach up or stand on a chair to use a stove or microwave. If the stove top or microwave  is above eye level, a child should ask an adult for assistance.
• Maintain a 3-foot “no burning zone” around ovens, removing any item that can burn — including towels.
• Parents, have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around ovens.
Students were also reminded to change batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year, a check the batteries once a month. They were encouraged to help their families plan safe escape routes in case of fire, and to choose a place outside where everyone will meet.
Younger children receive even more basic fire prevention lessons during Fire Prevention Month. On Wednesday morning, firefighters Nick Maddy and Travis Parmley joined Sparky to visit kindergartners at Park Elementary. Parmley  talked about calling 911 in an emergency. “Only call if you need a policeman, fireman or ambulance,” he said. Children were also reminded not to play with matches or lighters.
If they do find themselves in a fire at home, Parmley told the children, they should get outside and go to a prearranged family meeting place such as a tree in front of the house. Above all, don’t run back in the house for a forgotten toy. “Everything that’s in a house is replaceable, except for you girls and boys,” he said.