Extinguishing Oil Fires: Quick And Safe Methods

Grease fires are a very common type of fire, with cooking being the leading cause of household fires and injuries. If your pan of oil catches fire, it is important to act quickly and safely to prevent the fire from spreading. Knowing how to put out a pan of oil on fire is crucial to prevent a small kitchen fire from becoming a devastating disaster.

Turn off the heat source

If a pan of oil catches fire, it is important to act quickly and calmly. The first step is to remove the heat source. This is your top priority, as grease fires need heat to stay alive. Turn off the burner, oven, or broiler. Leave the pot where it is and resist the urge to move it, as this could accidentally cause burning oil to splash onto you or other areas of your kitchen, spreading the fire. If you have time, put on an oven mitt to protect your skin.

If the fire is in your oven, keep the door closed. This will deprive the fire of oxygen, helping to put it out.

Remember, never throw water on a grease fire. Water and oil do not mix, and water can cause the grease to splash and spread the fire.

Cover the pan with a metal lid

If you're dealing with a pan of oil on fire, it's important to act quickly and safely. Here's what you should do, focusing on the step "Cover the pan with a metal lid":

Step 1: Turn Off the Heat Source

Before you do anything else, turn off the heat source. This could be a stove burner, oven, or broiler. It's important to cut off the heat to prevent the fire from growing. Do not attempt to move the pot or pan, as this could cause the burning oil to splash and spread the fire.

Step 2: Cover the Pan with a Metal Lid

Now, take a metal lid—a pan lid or a cookie sheet will do—and place it on top of the pan to cover the flames. Fire needs oxygen to continue burning, so by covering the pan, you're cutting off the oxygen supply, essentially smothering the flame. Make sure to use a metal lid, as glass or ceramic lids can shatter or explode when exposed to high temperatures.

Step 3: Leave the Lid in Place

Keep the metal lid in place until the pan has cooled down completely. This ensures that the fire is fully extinguished and prevents oxygen from reaching the flames.

Prevention Tips:

To prevent grease fires, follow these tips:

• Never leave the stove unattended when cooking with oil. Grease fires can start in less than 30 seconds.
• Use a heavy pot with a metal lid when cooking with oil.
• Keep a lid, baking soda, salt, and a cookie sheet nearby when cooking with oil, so you have easy access to them in case of a fire.
• Monitor the temperature of the oil with a clip-on thermometer.
• Watch for smoke and be aware of acrid smells. If you see smoke or smell something unusual, turn down the heat or remove the pot from the heat source.

Pour on baking soda or salt

If a pan of oil catches fire, do not panic. While it may be tempting to reach for water, this is one of the worst things you can do. Water and oil do not mix, and the water could cause the flaming oil to splash and spread. Instead, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the Heat Source

Turn off the burner, oven, or broiler. If the fire is in the oven, leave the door closed to starve the fire of oxygen.

Step 2: Cover the Pan

Use metal tongs to place a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan. Do not use a glass or ceramic lid, as the extreme heat of the flames could cause these to shatter.

Step 3: Pour on Baking Soda or Salt

If the fire is small and manageable, you can try to smother it with baking soda or salt. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can smother the fire. Salt forms a barrier between the fire and the air, depriving the fire of oxygen. You will need a large quantity of either substance—about a cup for a decent-sized fire. Be sure to grab the right box, as similar-looking powders like flour and baking powder are combustible and will make the fire worse.

Use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher

If you have a pan of oil on fire, your first instinct might be to move the pan or douse it with water. However, both of these actions can be extremely dangerous and cause the fire to spread. Oil floats on water, and when water evaporates, it expands by up to 1600 times, which can cause the oil to be sprayed out of the pan and result in a larger fire. Similarly, attempting to move the pan may cause the hot oil to be accidentally splashed, spreading the fire to other parts of your kitchen or yourself.

If you have a pan of oil on fire, the best course of action is to follow these steps:

• Turn off the heat source.
• Cover the pan with a metal lid or cookie sheet to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire.
• If the fire is small, pour baking soda or salt on it to smother the flames.
• If the fire is still growing or out of control, use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher.

A Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher should only be used as a last resort as it will contaminate your kitchen. However, if the fire is growing or out of control, it is better to use the fire extinguisher than to risk the fire spreading further. When using the fire extinguisher, make sure to follow the instructions on the device and take steps to clean up the residue properly afterward.

If at any point you feel that the fire is out of control or you are unsure what to do, get out of the house and call 911.

Get out and call 911

Grease fires are extremely dangerous and can spread quickly. If a pan of oil catches fire, it is important to know when to stop attempting to put out the fire yourself and get out of the house to call 911.

Firstly, if the fire is large, or you are uncertain about your ability to extinguish a small fire, call 911 right away. Do not wait until the fire is out of control. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Secondly, if you have tried the recommended steps for putting out a grease fire and they have not worked, and the fire is spreading, get out and call 911. The recommended steps, in order, are:

• Turn off the heat source.
• Cover the pot with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen supply.
• Douse the fire with baking soda or salt.
• Use a Class K or Class B fire extinguisher.

If you have tried these steps and the fire is still out of control, get out of the house and call 911. Do not try to be a hero. Grease fires are extremely dangerous and can cause serious harm to yourself, your home, and others.

Frequently asked questions