Update: Cause Of Apartment Explosion

November 30, 2011, 4:15 pm

Fire investigators have found the cause of Sunday night's explosion at Northwest 5th and Everett.  A woman was cooking tofu when a pan of grease overheated and ignited.  She put it in a sink and the water caused a flare-up of oil and steam.  Those high-pressure gases over-pressurized the studio and sparked an explosion.

The woman was burned on the hand.  Shattered glass and debris from this window frame flew across the street and sidewalk.  The heat from the explosion activated a sprinkler, causing water damage.  The damage to the apartment building is around $15,000.

Portland Fire recommends these tips:

- Cover the pan and turn the stove off

- Only use baking soda or an approved extinguisher on the fire (no flour or water)

- Do not move a pan until cooled completely

-If a fire extends, or you are unable to immediately extinguish it, evacuate all occupants and call 9-1-1 immediately

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