Tips on Extinguishing a Grease Fire

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

A pan that caught on fire from grease.

Cooking is the number one cause in home fires and injuries. Annually, there are 160,000 cooking fires caused by ignition of food or cooking materials.

Knowing how to smother a grease fire can help keep you, your family, or friends from getting hurt or having a severe house fire.

If A Grease Fire Starts:

1. Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet. Leave the cover on until it has cooled.
2. Turn off the heat source.
3. If it’s small and manageable, pour baking soda or salt on it to smother the fire.
4. As a last resort, spray the fire with a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher.
5. Do not try to extinguish the fire with water.
6. Do not attempt to move the pot or pan outside.

DO NOT use flour, baking powder, or other cooking powders that resemble baking soda or salt. They act differently, and could make the fire worse.

If You Are Unable To Extinguish The Grease Fire:

1. GET OUT!! You need to leave as soon as possible to prevent injury or loss of life
2. When you leave, close the door behind you. This will help contain the fire inside.
3. When you get to a safe distance from the fire, call 911 right away.
4. Don’t re-enter your home until it has the “all clear” from the fire department.

Tips To Prevent Grease Fires:

1. Stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking. One of the leading causes of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.
2. Don’t cook if you’re exhausted or inebriated.
3. Keep anything that can catch on fire away from your stovetop.
4. Remove as much moisture from the food, and don’t add frozen foods to hot oil.
5. Keep an eye on the temperature of your oil. If you see smoke or smell oil, that means your oil is too hot. Turn off the burner and let it cool down.
6. Heat the oil slowly.
7. Add food gently, so there is no splashing.
8. Keep a lid in arms reach in case of a fire.
9. Always keep children and pets away from the stove while cooking.