Searsport, Maine Teen Girl Badly Burned by a Grease Fire

A 16-year-old from Searsport was seriously injured after trying to extinguish a grease fire.

Searsport, Maine Teenager Suffered Serious Burns in a Grease Fire

Officials say the victim was transported to Waldo County General Hospital and then transferred to Maine Medical Center for specialized treatment.

READ MORE: Maine Fire Safety Tips are as Easy as Remembering Your ABC's

She sustained burns covering approximately 30 percent of her body, primarily on her legs and torso.

Searsport, Maine Teen Burned by a Grease Fire She Tried to Extinguish

An investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office determined the teen was upstairs in the bathroom when she heard the home's smoke alarms go off and rushed downstairs.

Officials say the kitchen was filled with smoke from a pot of cooking oil burning on the stovetop, so she tried to move the pot to the kitchen sink to douse the fire.

That's when the oil flared up and caused severe burn injuries, prompting her to drop the pot.

The damage to the home was minimal.

Investigators say the fire has been classified as accidental.

Maine State Fire Marshal's Office Provides Tips in Dealing with Grease Fires

The Office of the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips on how to deal with a grease fire safely:

• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire, as it can cause the burning oil to explode outward, resulting in serious injuries.
• Do not attempt to move the burning pan, as this increases the risk of spilling burning oil.
• If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid or baking sheet to smother the flames.
• If the fire cannot be safely controlled, officials advise evacuating the building, closing the door behind you, and calling 911.

The most important safety tip from fire officials is always to have smoke detectors in your home.

Working smoke alarms provide critical early warning and can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.