Emilie Meyer
Grease fires can be extremely dangerous and can occur when cooking oil becomes too hot. Oils first start to boil, then they begin smoking, and then they catch on fire. The best way to prevent a grease fire is to remain in the kitchen and keep an eye on the oil as it heats up. If a grease fire does occur, it is important to know what to do to stop it from spreading. This paragraph will outline some key steps to follow to stop a pan fire.
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What You'll Learn
Don't use water
Do not use water to extinguish a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. The vaporizing water can also carry grease particles, further spreading the fire. The water hitting the hot grease or oil can create a miniature explosion and inflict major burns on the person who poured it.
Using a wet towel to extinguish the fire is also not advisable. A wet towel can make the fire worse, and a dry towel can catch fire.
If you have a grease fire in the kitchen, leave the pan and turn off the heat source. Take steps to cut off air to the fire by sliding a metal lid on top of the pan. If you do not have a lid, you can use a damp dish towel, but this is not the preferred method.
If you cannot smother the fire with a lid, use baking soda or salt. It takes a lot of baking soda or salt to extinguish the fire.
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Turn off the heat source
If a pan fire breaks out, the first thing to do is to turn off the heat source. Do not attempt to move the pan, as the burning oil could spill and spread the fire or burn you. If you have an electric stove, turn it off. If you have a gas stove, turn it off and also shut off the gas supply if you can safely reach it. If you can't reach it, leave the house and call the fire department from outside.
It is important to act quickly when a pan fire starts, as they can become out of control very fast. If you have children, keep them away from the stove while cooking. Always stay in the kitchen when heating oil, and keep a lid near the pan so that it is accessible if a fire starts. If you need to leave the stove unattended, ask another responsible adult to watch it for you. Keep your phone handy, and make sure you know where your safety equipment is and how to use it.
Before you leave the house, always double-check that all heat sources are off, especially those in the kitchen. Also, be sure to keep the grease at the recommended temperature. If you see any smoke or smell the oil, it is an indication that it is too hot. Immediately turn off the burner and let it cool down.
If you have a grease fire, never use water to try to extinguish it. The water hitting the hot grease or oil can cause a miniature explosion, inflicting major burns. Also, do not use flour, baking powder, or other cooking powders that resemble baking soda or salt, as they will not react in the same way and will make the fire worse.
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Cover the pan
If a pan fire occurs, it is important to remain calm and take immediate action. Here are some detailed steps to effectively cover the pan and extinguish the fire:
- Use a lid: If you have a lid that fits securely on the pan, use it to cover the pan and smother the fire. Ensure the lid is made of metal, as glass lids can shatter due to the extreme heat. This method deprives the fire of oxygen, which is essential for its sustenance.
- Alternative covering options: If you do not have a lid readily available, you can use a damp dish towel or cloth to cover the pan. This alternative method also helps to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire.
- Turn off the heat source: While keeping the pan covered, turn off the heat source, such as the stove burner. This prevents the fire from receiving additional fuel and helps to cool down the pan.
- Do not move the pan: It is crucial to avoid moving the pan, as this may cause the burning oil or grease to spill and spread the fire. Keep the pan in place and focus on covering and smothering the flames.
- Prevention and preparedness: While covering the pan is a crucial step in extinguishing a fire, prevention is always the best safety measure. Stay in the kitchen when heating oil or grease, and keep a lid and a fire extinguisher nearby. Additionally, keep children away from the stove while cooking.
- Call for help: If the fire is large or you feel uncertain about your ability to extinguish it, don't hesitate to call for emergency assistance. In the case of a severe fire, get yourself to safety and dial 911.
Remember, when covering the pan, always use a metal lid or a damp cloth to deprive the fire of oxygen. Never use water, as it can cause a dangerous explosion when mixed with hot grease or oil.
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Use baking soda
If a fire breaks out in your pan, the first step is to remove the heat source. Turn off the burner, oven, or broiler. Do not move the pan, as this can cause the grease to spill and spread the flames. If the fire is in the oven, close the door. This will deprive the fire of oxygen and help put it out. The easiest way to cut off oxygen to a grease fire is to cover it with a metal lid or baking sheet. Using metal tongs to put the lid in place can keep your hands and arms out of harm's way. Do not use a fabric oven mitt because the material may catch fire and cause a serious burn.
If you cannot smother the fire with a lid, baking soda can be used to extinguish small grease fires. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can smother the fire. It takes a lot of baking soda to extinguish a fire, so be sure to have a large box within arm's reach of your stove. To use baking soda to extinguish a fire, carefully and evenly sprinkle the baking soda over the fire.
Do not use flour, baking powder, or other cooking powders that resemble baking soda. They have a different chemical makeup and will not react the same way. They will make the fire worse.
If the fire is large or you are uncertain about your ability to extinguish a small fire, call 911 right away.
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Use a Class B or Class K fire extinguisher
If you are facing a pan fire, your first step should be to turn off the heat source. Do not attempt to move the pan, as you may accidentally splash yourself or your surroundings with burning oil. Your next step should be to cover the pan with a lid, which will cut off the fire's oxygen supply. If the fire is small, you can also use baking soda or salt to extinguish it.
If these steps do not work, it is time to reach for a fire extinguisher. The best type of fire extinguisher for a grease fire is a Class K extinguisher, which is designed specifically for cooking fires. These extinguishers work by forming a soapy foam on the surface of the fire, cutting off airflow and cooling down the fire. If you do not have a Class K extinguisher, you can use a Class B extinguisher, which uses dry chemicals. When using a fire extinguisher, always keep a safe distance from the fire and spray from the side, so the fire blows away from you.
It is important to note that fire extinguishers will contaminate your kitchen, so you should only use them as a last resort if the fire is getting out of control. After using a fire extinguisher, be sure to clean up the residue properly. Wear gloves and a dust mask during the clean-up process, as the residue can cause skin irritation and should not be inhaled. Vacuum or sweep up loose powder, and use a 1-to-1 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water to remove stuck-on residue.
If the grease fire is large or you are uncertain about your ability to extinguish it, do not hesitate to call emergency services. Get out of the house and find a phone to call for help.
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