Setting Oil Pans Ablaze: A Guide To Fire Safety

Grease fires are dangerous and can cause significant damage and injuries. They occur when oil in a pan gets hot enough to ignite. The oil first boils, then smokes, and then catches fire. To prevent a grease fire, it is important to stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the oil as it heats up. If the oil starts to smoke, turn down the heat or remove the pot from the burner. If a grease fire does occur, do not try to move the pot as this may cause the burning oil to splash. Instead, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen supply and smother the fire. If the fire is small, it can also be extinguished with baking soda or salt, but large amounts of these substances are needed. As a last resort, use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher, but be aware that this will contaminate your kitchen. If the fire is out of control, get out of the house and call the fire department.

Turn off the heat source

If your oil does catch on fire, the first thing to do is to turn off the heat source. Do not try to move the pot, as you might accidentally splash yourself or your surroundings with burning oil. It is important to act quickly and calmly, as the fire can spread and cause more damage. Turning off the heat source will prevent the fire from getting more intense and give you time to take further action.

It is also important to note that the best way to deal with an oil fire is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Whenever you are heating oil for pan-frying or deep-frying, always stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the oil. Use a heavy pot with a lid and a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. If you see wisps of smoke or smell something acrid, immediately turn down the heat or remove the pot from the burner.

If your oil does catch fire, after turning off the heat, you should then cover the pot with a metal lid. Fire cannot exist without oxygen, so with the lid on and the heat off, the fire should consume the available oxygen and put itself out. Make sure to use a metal lid, as glass will shatter due to the extreme heat.

Additionally, it is crucial to know what not to do in this situation. Do not use water to try and extinguish the fire, as this can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire further. Do not move the pot or carry it outside, as this can also lead to splashing hot oil and spreading the fire.

By following these steps and staying calm, you can effectively deal with an oil fire in your pan and minimize any potential harm or damage.

Cover the pan with a metal lid

If your pan catches fire, the first step is to turn off the heat source. Turn off the burner, oven, or broiler. If you try to move the pan, you may accidentally splash burning oil on yourself, your kitchen, or anything outside.

The next step is to cover the pan with a metal lid. Fire cannot exist without oxygen, so with the lid on and the heat source off, the fire will quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Make sure to use a metal lid, as glass will shatter. Using metal tongs to put the lid in place can keep your arms and hands out of harm's way. Do not use a fabric oven mitt because the material may catch fire, and you could get hurt.

If you don't have a lid, you can use a damp dish towel to cover the pan. This will also stop oxygen from feeding the fire.

Pour on baking soda or salt

If you're dealing with a grease fire, the first step is to remain calm and turn off the heat source. Then, cover the pot or pan with a metal lid or baking sheet to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire. If there's no lid nearby, you can use salt or baking soda to extinguish the fire. Here's how:

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda will extinguish grease fires, but only if they're small. It takes a lot of baking soda to do the job effectively. The average box of baking soda in your fridge may not be enough, so opt for a larger box from the laundry soap aisle of your grocery store. Toss handfuls of baking soda onto the flames until the fire subsides. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which helps to smother the fire.

Using Salt

Salt is another effective way to extinguish a grease fire. It forms a barrier between the fire and the air, preventing the fire from getting the oxygen it needs to fuel the flames. Use about a cup of salt for a decent-sized grease fire. Toss the salt onto the flames with abandon until the fire is extinguished.

Important Safety Tips:

• Do not use water to put out a grease fire. Water can cause the grease to splash and spread the fire.
• Do not use flour, baking powder, or any other powdered ingredients. These substances are highly combustible and can explode in extreme heat.
• Always keep a lid, salt, or baking soda within easy reach when cooking with oil or grease.
• If the fire becomes uncontrollable, get out of the house and call emergency services.

Use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher

If your cooking oil catches fire, your first priority should be to turn off the heat and cover the pot with a metal lid. If the fire is small, you can also use baking soda to extinguish it. However, if the fire is getting out of control, you may need to use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher.

Class B dry chemical fire extinguishers are designed for fires involving flammable liquids, such as cooking oils, gasoline, kerosene, or paint. They work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen, and chemical reaction). The extinguishing agent in a Class B extinguisher can be either monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, both of which effectively smother the fire.

When using a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher, remember to:

• Activate the building alarm system or notify the fire department by calling 911.
• Assist any persons in immediate danger or those who need help exiting the building.
• Attempt to extinguish the fire only after completing the first two steps. Ensure that the fire is small and contained, you have a means of escape, and your instincts tell you it's okay to fight the fire.
• Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from the recommended safe distance.
• Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the extinguishing agent.
• Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out, starting at the recommended distance.

It's important to note that using a fire extinguisher should be your last resort, as it will contaminate your kitchen. If the fire breaks out of control, get out of the area and call 911.

Evacuate and call the fire department

If you've tried to extinguish the fire in your pan using the recommended methods and it has only continued to grow, it's time to evacuate the building and call the fire department.

Do not try to be a hero. Get out and find a phone to call the fire department. If you don't have access to a phone, ask a neighbour to call for you. It's important to act quickly in this situation, as fires can spread rapidly and cause extensive damage.

Make sure everyone in your household evacuates the building immediately and goes to a pre-designated meeting place. This should be somewhere safe and away from the fire, such as a neighbour's house or a nearby park. Keep everyone together and account for all family members and pets.

Do not go back inside the building until the fire department has arrived and deemed it safe to do so. They will have the necessary equipment and training to handle the fire effectively and ensure that it is completely extinguished.

Remember, your safety is the top priority. Even if you think you can handle the fire on your own, it's always better to err on the side of caution and call for professional help.

Frequently asked questions