Contact :
Robert Maitland
Fire Department PIO 650-903-6825
robert.maitland@mountainview.gov

On Tuesday, April 4 at 5:17 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received reporting an electric fire in a multi-family residence in the 800 block of East El Camino Real. The reporting party stated their electric oven exploded, injuring a family member.

Mountain View Fire Department units were dispatched at 5:17 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 5:22 p.m. Units arrived to find an electrical fire occurred causing moderate injuries to one adult while using an electric range. Units confirmed no fire, no smoke and no extension of flames went into the unit. The only property damage that occurred was to the range and frying pan.

One adult patient was treated for injuries resulting from hot cooking oil splattering. The patient was transported by Santa Clara County ambulance to a local hospital for further treatment.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. By following a few safety tips, you prevent these fires.

• If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Smother flames on the stovetop by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner.
• Get out and call 9-1-1 f you have any doubts about extinguishing a small fire.

See all of the NFPA cooking tips.