Cody Casey
Kitchen fires are often caused by grease, gasoline, and oil, and knowing what to do in the event of a fire is crucial. In the aftermath of a fire, it is important to know what to do with your pans and kitchen utensils. Some sources advise against using a fire extinguisher on a frying pan as it can cause burning liquid or oil to scatter, creating greater damage. Instead, it is recommended to use a metal lid to cover the flames and turn off the heat source. When cleaning pots and pans after a fire, you can use liquid dish soap and water, and polish them if needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if a pan catches fire | Turn off the heat immediately and allow the fire to burn out on its own. If it does not go out, call the emergency services and leave your home. |
| What to do after a kitchen fire | Open windows to ventilate the area, throw out contaminated food items and clean the affected areas. |
| How to clean dishes and utensils after a fire | Wash with dish detergent, rinse with bleach and then rinse again with clean water and soap. |
| How to clean pans after a fire | Wash with liquid dish soap and water, and polish if needed. |
| How to prevent kitchen fires | Keep a fire extinguisher within reach and install fire-rated downlights. |
| How to put out an oil fire | Cover the flames with a metal lid, turn off the heat source and leave the lid on until the stove has cooled. |
| Pans to use for live-fire cooking | Cast iron, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and enameled pans are suitable for live-fire cooking. |
| Pans to avoid for live-fire cooking | Non-stick pans, aluminum pans, glass pans, and pans with plastic handles should be avoided for live-fire cooking. |
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What You'll Learn
Do not use an extinguisher on a frying pan
Kitchen fires are dangerous and can spread quickly, so it's important to know what to do in the event of one. If a pan catches fire, it is recommended to follow the UK government's advice: "get out, stay out and dial 999". Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself, as this could result in severe injury or even death.
If you do choose to tackle a frying pan fire, do not use a fire extinguisher. Traditional extinguishers require the user to be close to the fire, which can be dangerous. Water should also not be used to extinguish a frying pan fire, as it will only worsen the situation. Water sinks below the oil and boils, ejecting burning oil into the room.
Instead, use a fire blanket or a metal lid to smother the flames and cut off their oxygen supply. If the fire is small, you can also use baking soda or salt to smother it. Be sure always to keep the handles of pots and pans turned toward the stove's centre when cooking, so they don't hang over the edge of the hob where they could be knocked over.
After a fire, it is important to clean your pots and pans with liquid dish soap and water, and polish them if needed. You should also take pictures and keep lists of everything impacted by the fire for insurance purposes.
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Do not put the fire out with water
Kitchen fires are dangerous, and it is important to know what to do in the event of one. A large number of kitchen fires involve grease, gasoline, and oil. If water is used to extinguish these fires, it can cause an explosion. This is because water will instantly vaporize when it comes into contact with the high temperatures of the fire, expanding rapidly and propelling the burning grease into the air. This will cause the fire to spread dramatically, and a small kitchen fire can quickly become an explosive inferno.
Grease fires can be especially dangerous as the fuel source is a liquid that can easily splash and spread to cabinets or other flammable areas of the kitchen. Grease fires can also spread in seconds to other materials, such as wooden utensils, food packaging, or even an apron. Therefore, it is important to cut off the fuel source by turning off the burner or heat source. Do not attempt to remove the pan, as this can cause the fire to spread. Instead, smother the flames by covering the pan with a metal lid or baking sheet. This will deprive the fire of oxygen and help to extinguish it.
If you do not have a lid or baking sheet readily available, you can use baking soda or salt to smother the fire. Pouring these substances on the fire will cut off the oxygen supply and help to extinguish the flames. It is important to note that you should not use flour, sugar, or regular salt, as these may not have the desired extinguishing effect and may even be counterproductive.
In the event of a kitchen fire, it is crucial to remain calm and assess the situation. If you do not feel confident in your ability to extinguish the fire or if it becomes out of control, call emergency services immediately. It is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with a potentially dangerous situation.
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Do not leave a pan unattended
Kitchen fires can be dangerous and frightening, and they often occur due to a moment's distraction or inattention. It is important to be vigilant and mindful when cooking, especially when using a pan on an open flame or stovetop. Here are some detailed instructions to follow to help prevent a kitchen fire and ensure your safety:
Leaving a pan unattended on a stovetop or open flame is a common cause of kitchen fires. It only takes a few moments for an oily pan to ignite, so never turn your back on a hot pan, even for a brief moment. If you need to step away, ask another responsible adult to watch the pan until you return. Before leaving the house, always double-check that all heat sources, especially those in the kitchen, are turned off.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Accessible:
Keep a fire extinguisher within reach but away from the stove. In the event of a stovetop fire, do not use the fire extinguisher to put it out, as this can scatter the burning grease or oil and cause injury or further damage. Instead, smother the flames by covering the pan with a lid or using baking soda or salt.
Properly Clean and Maintain Pans:
After a fire, you can clean your pans using liquid dish soap and water, and polish them if needed. However, be cautious when using pans that have been in a fire, as they may have heat damage that affects their performance or safety. If the pan is warped or the coating is damaged, it may not heat evenly, leading to undercooked or burnt food.
Choose the Right Pan for Open Flames:
When cooking over an open flame, avoid using non-stick pans with Teflon or similar coatings. These coatings can break down at high temperatures, releasing harmful fumes and damaging the pan. Cast iron pans are a better option, as they heat evenly and retain heat, and are designed to withstand the intense heat of an open flame.
Be Mindful of Pan Handles:
When cooking over an open flame, be cautious of plastic or meltable handles on pans. The intense heat can damage or burn these handles, so consider using a Dakota Fire Hole or placing hot coals in a side alcove to distance the pan from the direct flame.
By following these instructions and staying vigilant, you can help prevent kitchen fires and ensure a safer cooking experience.
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Use cast iron for even heating
Cast iron cookware is a great option for cooking, especially when even heating is a priority. Here are some tips to get the most out of your cast iron and ensure even heating:
First, cast iron performs differently on different stovetops. Gas stovetops, for example, heat up quickly and are very responsive to adjustments, but they can heat cookware a little more unevenly compared to electric or induction cooktops. Induction cooktops, on the other hand, use an electromagnetic field to transfer heat to cookware containing ferrous metal, making them very efficient at heating cast iron evenly. When using a gas stovetop, choose a burner closest in size to your cast iron cookware to promote even heating. For induction cooktops, ensure your cast iron has a level bottom for direct contact with the cooktop, and use a lower temperature than you would on other cooktops.
Second, preheating is essential for even heating with cast iron. Preheat your cast iron cookware for at least 10 minutes on medium-low heat, rotating it occasionally. You can also preheat it in a hot oven for 20 to 30 minutes, but remember to use a potholder or dish towel for safety.
Third, the maintenance and seasoning of your cast iron play a significant role in its performance. Clean your cast iron thoroughly after each use with soap and water, scrubbing out any gunk or debris. Re-season it regularly by heating it up on the stovetop, rubbing a little oil into it, and letting it cool. A well-seasoned cast iron pan will not only improve its performance but also make cleaning easier.
Finally, while cast iron is versatile, it may not be ideal for long-simmered acidic foods, as this can promote rusting, especially on newly seasoned pans. For high-heat tasks like searing steaks, frying potatoes, or grilling vegetables, cast iron is an excellent choice due to its ability to retain heat and provide even cooking.
In summary, cast iron is a great option for even heating when used appropriately. Choose the right stovetop and burner size, preheat adequately, maintain and season your cookware, and use it for suitable cooking tasks to get the best results.
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Clean pans with dish soap and water
After a kitchen fire, you can clean your pans with dish soap and water. However, it is important to let the pan cool down before attempting to clean it. For non-stick pans, use a nylon brush or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. For burnt-on food, fill the pan with water and about 1/4 cup of baking soda, then put it back on the burner. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, then wash with soap and water. If soap and water are ineffective, try boiling water in the pan for about 20 minutes, then wash and rinse as usual.
For cast iron pans, opinions vary. Some sources suggest avoiding dish soap as it can strip away the non-stick coating. Instead, scrub the pan with a combination of oil and kosher salt, using a paper towel or a chain-mail scrubber. However, other sources claim that modern dish soap does not harm the seasoning of a cast iron pan. If you choose to use dish soap, be sure to dry and lightly oil the pan afterward to prevent rust.
For ceramic pans, wash with a soft sponge, soap, and water. For tough stains, simmer soapy water over low heat, then gently scrape away with a sponge or non-abrasive brush. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the ceramic surface.
Stainless steel pans can be cleaned with dish soap and warm water. They are tougher than non-stick and ceramic pans and can withstand more abrasion. You can use abrasive cleanser powder or a natural alternative like baking soda.
Copper pans can be cleaned in the same way as non-stick and ceramic pans.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of pan and the severity of the fire. If the fire was small and contained, you may be able to clean your pans with dish detergent, bleach, and water. However, if the fire caused extensive damage or your pans are non-stick, it is best to discard them.
Non-stick pans coated with Teflon or similar materials should be avoided for cooking over an open flame. The coating can break down at high temperatures, releasing harmful fumes and damaging the pan. Aluminium pans are also not recommended for direct flame cooking as they can warp and provide uneven cooking surfaces.
Cast iron pans are a popular choice for kitchen fires as they heat evenly and retain heat well. Stainless steel pans with thick bases are also suitable as they distribute heat evenly and prevent hotspots.
Do not panic. If it is safe to do so, carefully place a lid over the burning pan to smother the flames by cutting off their oxygen supply. Turn off the heat source immediately. Do not use water or a fire extinguisher to put out the fire, as this can cause the grease or oil to scatter and create a larger fire.
Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep a fire extinguisher within reach. Keep flammable objects, such as oven mitts and towels, away from the stove. Install fire-rated downlights to prevent fires from spreading through the ceiling.
