Douse Grease Pan Fires: Quick, Safe Methods

Grease fires are dangerous and can cause significant damage and injuries. They are usually caused by oil, grease, or fat on a stovetop, in an oven, or in a deep-fat fryer getting hot enough to ignite. To extinguish a grease fire, it is important to follow a specific set of steps in the correct order. Firstly, turn off the heat source to remove the fire's fuel supply. Then, cover the pot, pan, or fryer with a lid to cut off the fire's oxygen supply. Do not use a glass or ceramic lid, as these can shatter or explode. If the fire is small, pour baking soda or salt on it to smother the flames. Avoid using flour, sugar, or other combustible substances, as these can make the fire worse. If the fire is too large to be extinguished with a lid, baking soda, or salt, use a Class B or K dry chemical fire extinguisher as a last resort. It is important to never use water to try and extinguish a grease fire, as this can cause the fire to spread.

Never use water to extinguish a grease fire

Grease fires are dangerous because the fuel source is a liquid that can easily splash and spread to other areas of the kitchen. Nearly 10% of residential cooking fires spread beyond the cooking vessel and can cause significant damage and injuries. Oils and grease are highly flammable, so they can easily catch fire. Cooking is the leading cause of household fires and injuries, and nearly half of all home cooking fires are caused by fat, grease, or oil.

Water and oil don't mix. If you throw water on a grease fire, it can cause the grease to splatter and spread, making the situation much worse. Many households have experienced major fire damage because homeowners made the mistake of trying to use water to extinguish a grease fire.

If you have a grease fire in the kitchen, leave the pan and turn off the heat source. Take steps to cut off the air to the fire by sliding a cover on top of the pan or using salt or baking soda. Baking soda is effective because it releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can smother the fire. Salt forms a barrier between the fire and the air, preventing the fire from getting the oxygen it needs.

If you cannot smother the fire with a lid, baking soda, or salt, it's time to reach for the fire extinguisher. The best fire extinguisher for a grease fire is a Class K extinguisher. These are wet chemical extinguishers commonly found in commercial kitchens. They are designed specifically for cooking fires and work by forming a soapy foam on the surface of the fire that cuts off airflow. They also cool down the fire. If you do not have a Class K extinguisher in your home, a Class B extinguisher (which uses dry chemicals) can also work.

Turn off the heat source immediately

Grease fires are dangerous and can spread quickly, so it's important to act fast and follow the correct steps to extinguish them. If you're dealing with a grease fire, here's what you need to do:

The first step to putting out a grease fire is to remove the heat source. Turn off the burner, oven, or broiler immediately. This is crucial because grease fires need heat to stay alive. Do not attempt to move the pot or pan, as this may cause the burning grease to splash and spread the fire. It is also dangerous to yourself and others as the hot grease may spill and cause burns. Leave the pot where it is and focus on cutting off the heat. Remember, grease fires can happen in as little as 30 seconds, so don't waste any time.

If the grease fire is in your oven, it is recommended to leave the door closed. This will help deprive the fire of oxygen, which can aid in putting it out. If possible, put on an oven mitt or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands and arms from any potential splashes or flames. Keep in mind that fabric oven mitts are not recommended as they may catch fire.

Once you've turned off the heat source, you can proceed to the next steps of extinguishing the fire, such as covering the fire with a lid or using baking soda or salt. Remember to have a fire extinguisher nearby and call emergency services if the fire is spreading or you feel unsafe.

Use a metal lid to cover the fire

Grease fires can be extremely dangerous and can spread quickly, so it's important to know how to extinguish them properly. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here's what you need to do:

First and foremost, do not panic. The most important thing to remember is that you should never try to extinguish a grease fire with water. Water will cause the grease to splash, spreading the fire and potentially causing serious harm to anyone nearby. Instead, follow these steps to effectively and safely put out the fire:

Locate a metal lid that is larger than the pan. It is important to use a metal lid, as glass or ceramic lids can shatter in the extreme heat and create additional hazards. Using metal tongs to place the lid over the pan can help keep your hands and arms safe from the flames.

Once you have the lid, quickly and carefully slide it over the pan to cover the fire. Ensure that the lid is securely in place, as this will deprive the fire of oxygen and smother the flames. It is crucial to act quickly, as grease fires can spread rapidly.

After placing the lid on the pan, leave it there for several hours to allow the pan and its contents to cool down completely. Do not remove the lid or try to move the pan until you are sure that the fire is out and everything has cooled.

Additionally, remember to turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. This simple step can help the fire die down, especially if you catch it early. However, your priority should be covering the fire with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the flames.

By following these steps, you can effectively extinguish a grease fire and prevent it from spreading. It is important to stay calm and act quickly, as your safety and the safety of those around you are the top priorities.

Use baking soda or salt to smother the fire

If you have a grease fire in the kitchen, do not panic. Grease fires can be scary, but they can be extinguished by following a few simple steps. Firstly, turn off the heat source. It is important to never pour water onto a grease fire, as this can cause the grease to splash and spread the fire further. Instead, if you are unable to cover the fire with a lid or cookie sheet, you can smother the fire with baking soda or salt.

Baking soda and salt are two common household ingredients that can be used to extinguish small grease fires. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which helps to smother the fire. Meanwhile, salt forms a barrier between the fire and the air, preventing the fire from getting the oxygen it needs to burn.

However, it is important to note that you will need a large quantity of either baking soda or salt to fully extinguish the fire. Additionally, be careful not to mistake flour, baking powder, sugar, or biscuit mix for baking soda or salt, as these similar-looking powders are combustible and will make the fire worse.

If the fire is too big to be smothered with baking soda or salt, or if you are unsure what to do, it is best to use a fire extinguisher or call 911 for help. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with a fire.

Use a fire extinguisher as a last resort

If the fire is too big to be smothered, covered with a lid, or doused with baking soda or salt, a fire extinguisher should be used. However, this should be a last resort as the chemicals will contaminate your kitchen and be tough to clean up.

If you have a Class B or K dry chemical fire extinguisher on hand, this can put out a grease fire. A Halon extinguisher or Aqueous Film Forming Foam can also be used. These are fire suppressants used on Navy vessels that can handle more than just a small grease fire.

Using a fire extinguisher improperly can cause the fire to spread. For example, shooting a pan full of grease with a pressurised substance can knock things over and cause the fire to spread. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions written on the extinguisher. This will include standing back and using the extinguisher until the fire is completely gone, which may take longer than expected. Many extinguishers are single-use only, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the type of extinguisher you have and, if needed, replace it after using.

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