Maine Teen Severely Burned After Moving Pot of Burning Oil

Investigators say moving the pan caused a flare-up that spilled burning oil and produced major burns rather than putting out the fire.

Overview

Investigators say smoke alarms alerted a 16-year-old upstairs resident who went downstairs to find a pot of cooking oil burning on the stove.
The teen tried to move the pot toward the sink, the oil flared up and she dropped the pan, sustaining burns to about 30 percent of her body, mostly her legs and torso.
She was taken first to Waldo County General Hospital and then transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland for specialized burn care.
The house suffered only minor damage but officials emphasize the severity of the injuries that can result when burning oil is spilled.
Fire authorities reiterated grease-fire safety: do not pour water or move a burning pan, turn off the heat and smother the flame with a metal lid if it is safe, and evacuate and call 9-1-1 if you cannot control the fire.