Ella Walter
Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and fire injuries in the United States. Pans can catch fire when the oil is too hot, or when water is added to hot oil, causing it to spill over. Pans can also catch fire when they are left unattended, even for a few minutes. If a pan does catch fire, it should be smothered with a lid or damp dish towel, and the heat source should be turned off. It is important to remain alert while cooking and to avoid leaving the stove unattended to prevent fires.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for fire | Heating oil to a high temperature can cause it to smoke and ignite |
| Moisture content of food | High moisture content in food can cause a fire when added to hot oil |
| Frozen food | Adding frozen food to hot oil can cause a fire and crack the pan |
| Distractions | Distractions like phone calls can cause fires if the pan is left unattended |
| Oven preheating | Preheating the oven and forgetting about it can cause a fire |
| Fire prevention | Use a metal lid, baking soda, salt, or a damp towel to smother the fire and cut off oxygen |
| Fire prevention | Do not use water, a fire extinguisher, or flour to put out the fire |
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What You'll Learn
Grease fires are caused by hot oil
Grease fires are a common occurrence in kitchens and can be caused by heating a pan with oil. They occur when cooking oil becomes too hot and catches fire. Most vegetable oils have a smoking point of around 450°F, while animal fats like lard or goose fat will start smoking at around 375°F. When heating, oils first start to boil, then they'll begin smoking, and finally, they'll ignite.
To prevent grease fires, always stay in the kitchen when heating oil and use a heavy pot with a lid. Keep a thermometer clipped to the side of the pot to monitor the oil's temperature. If you notice wisps of smoke or smell something acrid, immediately turn down the heat or remove the pot from the heat source.
If a grease fire does occur, do not panic. Turn off the heat source and cover the pot with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire. Do not use water to extinguish the fire, as this can cause the grease to splash and spread the fire. Instead, use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or salt to put out the flames. Remember to always keep a safe distance from the fire when using a fire extinguisher and spray from the side.
It is important to be prepared and know how to handle a grease fire safely. Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and ensure it is easily accessible. Familiarize yourself with the basics of fire safety and keep your cooking area clean. Spilled oil and grease can increase the risk of a fire.
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How to prevent a pan fire
Cooking with oil, grease, or fat is the leading cause of household fires. Nearly half of all home cooking fires are caused by these factors. To prevent a pan fire, it is important to understand the flash points of the oils you are using. Cooking oils should be heated slowly, and it is important not to exceed the flashpoint of the oil. Use a cooking thermometer, if possible, to monitor the temperature. Always keep an eye on the stove when cooking with oil or grease, and never leave the pan unattended. Before you begin cooking, ensure you have everything you need within reach so that you are not tempted to turn your back on the pan.
Keep your kitchen clean and tidy. Wipe up any spills, and regularly clean your oven to avoid grease buildup. Remove any combustible materials from the area surrounding your stove. If you are boiling a pot of water, be mindful that it can easily overflow and cause a fire, so do not leave it unattended.
If you are cooking with alcohol, be aware that flambéing can easily lead to a pan fire. The alcohol will have already evaporated by the time the pan catches fire, so the flame is mostly for show. However, it is an indication that your pan is extremely hot.
If a pan fire does occur, do not panic. Do not use water to put out a grease fire, as this can cause an explosion. Similarly, do not use a fire extinguisher, as the force can cause the burning liquid to scatter, injuring those nearby. Instead, smother the fire. Slide a lid over the pan, or use a damp dish towel to cut off the fire's oxygen supply. If you do not have a lid, use salt or baking soda, which will create a barrier between the fire and the oxygen. Turn off the heat source and let the pan cool down.
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What to do if a pan catches fire
Kitchen fires are a common occurrence, and it is important to know what to do in such situations. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do if a pan catches fire:
Firstly, do not panic. It is natural to feel startled and anxious when a pan catches fire, but it is crucial to remain calm. Panic can escalate a minor issue into a major one. Before you begin cooking, ensure you are informed about handling kitchen fires and know the location of your safety equipment.
Secondly, do not leave the pan unattended. Frying pan fires often occur within minutes of turning on the heat source. Even turning your back for a second can allow an unattended, oily pan to catch fire. If you must leave the stove, ask another responsible adult to watch it for you. Keep your phone and all necessary ingredients within reach before starting to cook.
Thirdly, do not use a fire extinguisher or water to put out the fire. Using a fire extinguisher or hastily pouring water over a greasy pan fire can cause a miniature explosion. The force of the extinguisher or the water hitting the hot grease or oil can scatter, causing injury or greater damage. Instead, smother the fire by covering the pan with a lid or a damp dish towel to cut off the oxygen supply. If using a dish towel, ensure it is damp rather than soaking wet to avoid splashing water onto the fire.
Once the fire is out, turn off the heat source and let the pan cool down without attempting to move it. Moving the pan risks spilling burning oil, which could spread the fire or cause burns. Finally, ensure you turn off all heat sources when you finish cooking and double-check they are off before leaving the house. It is easy to forget about a burner or oven and leave it unattended, creating a fire hazard.
Remember to establish a family escape plan and an agreed-upon meeting place in case of a fire. Being prepared and informed will help keep you and your family safe in an emergency.
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Do not use water to extinguish
It is important to know that using water to extinguish a fire caused by oil, gas, grease, or electrical devices is not advisable. Water evaporates when it comes into contact with hot oil in a frying pan, carrying tiny droplets of oil that ignite instantly. This can cause burning grease to splash, making the fire spread and potentially harming bystanders. This is why it is recommended to cover the pan with a lid or a damp cloth to stop oxygen from feeding the fire.
When water is thrown onto a fire, it absorbs the heat released by the fuel and turns into water vapour, which stops the fuel and oxygen from interacting further. However, in some cases, using water can even intensify the flame. For example, if you pour water onto a pan containing hot oil, the water will pull droplets of oil up with it, which will immediately catch fire. This can create a miniature explosion and cause severe burns to the person who poured it.
In the case of electrical fires, water should never be used as it conducts electricity, and you could electrocute yourself. Instead, cut off the power supply, use specific extinguishers for electrical fires, and call the fire brigade if necessary. Similarly, for fires caused by gasoline, alcohol, or oil (Class B fires), water does not work as it can spread the flammable liquid, making the situation worse. Powder, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers should be used instead.
If you are using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire in a pan, be cautious and maintain a safe distance. Spray the fire from the side, so it blows away from you, and replace fire extinguishers as directed on their labels. It is also important to keep your cooking area clean as spilled oil and grease can trigger a fire.
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How to extinguish a pan fire
Kitchen fires, especially those involving hot oil or grease, can be dangerous and spread quickly. Here are some steps to take to extinguish a pan fire:
Do not panic
As with any potentially dangerous situation, panic can cause a minor issue to become a major one. Try to remain calm and focused.
Remove the heat source
The first step is to turn off the burner, oven, or broiler. Do not attempt to move the pan as this can cause the grease or oil to spill, spreading the fire. If the fire is in an oven, keep the door closed to deprive the fire of oxygen.
Cover the pan
Use a lid, preferably metal, to cover the pan and cut off the oxygen supply to the fire. If you don't have a lid, you can use a damp dish towel to cover the pan. Do not use a glass or ceramic lid as these materials can shatter from the extreme heat.
Use baking soda or salt
Baking soda and salt can be used to smother the fire by releasing carbon dioxide and forming a barrier between the fire and the air, respectively. However, it should be noted that large quantities of these substances may be needed to fully extinguish the fire.
Use a fire extinguisher
As a last resort, you can use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Keep a safe distance and spray from the side so that the fire blows away from you. Be aware that using a fire extinguisher will contaminate your kitchen.
Get out and call for help
If the fire becomes uncontrollable, leave the area and call emergency services.
Remember to always stay in the kitchen when heating oil or grease and keep a close eye on the pan. Have a lid or oven mitt nearby, and keep your phone handy in case of emergencies.
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Frequently asked questions
Pans catch fire when the oil in them gets too hot. Oils first start to boil, then they start smoking, and then they catch on fire. The temperature of the oil and the moisture level of the product being added also play a role.
Before cooking, remove as much moisture from your food as possible. Avoid putting frozen food into hot grease. Heat the oil slowly and add food gently to avoid hot oil splattering.
Turn off the heat source and cover the pan with a metal lid or a damp dish towel to cut off the oxygen supply. If you don't have a lid, use a towel to smother the fire. Do not use water or a fire extinguisher as this can cause the burning liquid to scatter and spread.
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