Kitchen Fire Critically Burns Woman In Valley Glen

On Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly responded to a reported Structure Fire in Valley Glen. Upon making entry into an apartment unit, they found a kitchen fire that had already been extinguished. Unfortunately, an adult female suffered critical burns to her face, neck and arms while in the kitchen. When attempting to help, the victim's husband suffered moderate burn injuries to his hands.

The Los Angeles Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association would like to share some staggering statistics:

Each year approximately 3,000 Americans die as a result of home fires and burns, and more than 200,000 are seen in our nation’s emergency rooms for burn injuries.

Burn injuries are commonly caused by flame, scalds or contact with a hot surface. Burns are painful and can result in serious disability, disfigurement - even death.

Most importantly, burns are preventable...

• Turn pot and pan handles away from the front of your stove, and use the rear burners when possible.
• Maintain a 3-foot 'kid-free' zone around your stove and wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
• Never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking a hot beverage.
• Use extreme caution with items that get hot such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps, heaters.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle, portable heater, lit fireplace or stove, or where a hot appliance might be in use.

Sadly, today a woman is in the hospital fighting for her life. By using the tips above, you and your loved ones can greatly reduce the chance of receiving a serious burn injury.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department