SEARSPORT — On July 28, a teen, 16, suffered severe burns to 30 percent of her body as she attempted to extinguish a cooking oil fire in the kitchen of a Searsport home.

Investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to Prospect Street to investigate the residential fire.

The teen was initially transported to Waldo County General Hospital and then transferred to Maine Medical Center for specialized treatment. She sustained burns covering primarily on her legs and torso.

The investigation determined that the victim was upstairs in the bathroom when she heard the home's smoke alarms activate. She went downstairs and found the kitchen filled with smoke and a pot of cooking oil burning on the stovetop, according to the Maine Office of Public Safety.

In an attempt to extinguish the fire, she tried to move the pot to the kitchen sink. As she carried the burning oil, it flared up, causing severe burn injuries and prompting her to drop the pot. The fire caused only minimal damage to the residence.

The fire has been classified as accidental.

The Office of State Fire Marshal reminds residents that in the event of a grease fire:

• 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 immediately, evacuate the building, close the door behind you, and call 9-1-1.

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