Heat up the Kitchen without Getting Burned
Firehouse Tips for Any Kitchen
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According to New Orleans Fire Department Captain Mike Gowland, a locally renowned chef and firehouse cook, the kitchen is the gathering place for fire-fighting crews to decompress and refuel in between emergency calls. Below, Gowland shares his firehouse kitchen tips, which can help you become a better host as well as keep your home safe.

• Must-Have Kitchen Tools: Surprisingly, some of the most essential kitchen tools are not used to prepare food! Every kitchen should include a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, which can be stored under the sink. Many house fires start in the kitchen, so make sure the entire family knows how to use an extinguisher. Plus, a well stocked first aid kit provides a quick fix for minor burns.

• More Gumbo, Please: I typically make enough Firehouse Gumbo to feed 50 people, so there are usually leftovers (unless the crew radios other engines). The refrigerators Frigidaire donated include the new PureAir™ Air Filter, which neutralizes the more acidic refrigerator odors. We've noticed our breakfasts don't taste our previous days' dinners – see for yourself!   

• Put a Lid on It: Be particularly wary of pressure cookers and pots on the stove, as this steam can cause severe burns. Just because you can’t see the flame, doesn’t mean it can’t hurt you.

• Crowd Pleasing Feeding: When cooking for the whole crew, look for recipes that produce multiple servings or are made for multiplying, as not all recipes can be easily doubled. For example, greasing a pan with two sticks of butter instead of one may not be necessary. Plus, when doubling a recipe that calls for meat, use a thermometer to ensure it has cooked thoroughly.

• Multi-Tasking Tool: Firefighters are used to multi-tasking, so we appreciate appliances that do the same. With the new Frigidaire® XtraZone™ Burner, which features an oval-shaped burner, it is possible to utilize the griddle that comes with it to cook up everything from fajitas to flapjacks as well as remove the griddle to use a dutch oven or stock pot for sauces and stews.

• Prevent Fires Like a Pro: Even firemen can accidentally start fires in the kitchen! Learn from our experience and pay close attention when heating oil or fat on the stove. The oil can get hot, smoke and burst into flame, which is the cause of most kitchen fires. Also, remembering to unplug small appliances before leaving the house can prevent fires as well as save energy and money.

• Keep It Clean: Having a clean and organized kitchen will cut-down on your prep time and can even prevent injury. For example, removing residue from the bottom of your oven between meals will keep smoke alarms from sounding.

• Finishing Touches: Fighting fires can make us grimy, which is why we're thrilled our new Frigidaire appliances have the EasyCare™ Stainless Steel Finish. Whether you're coming back from fighting a fire, like us, or simply playing in the park with the kids, it's possible to grab a cold beverage from the refrigerator without leaving permanent fingerprints and smudges behind.

To learn more about the Leary Firefighter Foundation, the New Orleans firehouse project and how you can help, visit www.learyfirefighters.org. While there, be sure to check out Captain Gowland's Frigidaire Firehouse Gumbo recipe.