Preventing Oil Pan Fires: Quick Action, Safety First

Grease fires are dangerous and can spread quickly, causing significant damage and injury. They occur when oil in a pan gets too hot and ignites. To stop an oil pan fire, it is important to act quickly and follow these steps: turn off the heat source, cover the pan with a metal lid or baking sheet to cut off the oxygen supply, and use baking soda or salt to smother the flames. If the fire is small, these steps should extinguish it. However, if the fire is out of control, evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately. It is crucial to never use water to put out a grease fire, as this can cause the fire to spread.

Turn off the heat source

If an oil pan fire breaks out, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Here are some detailed steps to turn off the heat source and prevent the fire from spreading:

Use an oven mitt for protection: If possible, put on an oven mitt to protect your skin from burns or heat injuries. This is especially important if you need to handle any items near the fire or need to turn off a heat source that is close to the flames. Remember, your safety comes first.

Do not use water: It is important to reiterate that you should never use water to try to extinguish a grease fire. Water and oil do not mix, and throwing water on a grease fire can cause it to spread. It can also cause burning grease to splash, potentially harming bystanders or yourself.

Avoid moving the pot: While it may seem logical to move the pot outdoors or to a sink, doing so is dangerous. Moving a pot of burning oil can cause it to spill, leading to burns and the spread of the fire to other flammable objects. Keep the pot where it is and focus on containing and extinguishing the fire.

Use a metal lid: To effectively cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, use a metal lid or cookie sheet to cover the flames. Metal is essential here; do not use glass, ceramic, or any other material as these can shatter or explode when exposed to high temperatures and flames.

Remember, in the event of a large or uncontrollable fire, your safety is paramount. Get yourself and others to safety, close the door to contain the fire, and call emergency services immediately.

Cover the pan with a metal lid

If an oil pan fire occurs, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Firstly, turn off the heat source. Do not attempt to move the pan, as this may spread the fire and cause injury. The next step is crucial: cover the pan with a metal lid. This action will deprive the fire of oxygen, which is one of the three key elements that a fire needs to survive. Metal lids are essential here, as glass lids can shatter in the extreme heat. Using metal tongs to place the lid on the pan can keep your hands and arms safe.

Once the metal lid is securely on the pan, the fire should quickly consume the remaining oxygen and extinguish itself. Do not remove the lid until the pan is completely cool. Leaving the lid on ensures that the fire does not rekindle or grow. If the fire does not go out, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department.

Pour baking soda or salt on the fire

If you have an oil pan fire, the first step is to turn off the burner. Do not move the pan, as this could spread the fire. You should then cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet to cut off the oxygen supply.

If the fire is small, you can try pouring baking soda or salt on it to smother the flames. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can suffocate the fire. Salt forms a barrier between the fire and the air, depriving it of oxygen. However, you will need a large quantity of baking soda or salt to extinguish the fire, so it may be easier to simply cover the pan with a lid.

Do not use flour, baking powder, or other powdered ingredients that resemble baking soda or salt. These products have a different chemical makeup and are highly combustible, so they can explode or cause the fire to grow rapidly.

If the fire is too large to be extinguished with baking soda or salt, you may need to use a fire extinguisher. A Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher is the best option for a grease fire, but it will contaminate your kitchen. If the fire is out of control, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department.

Use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher

If you have an oil pan fire, your first instinct might be to move the pan, but this is a mistake. Moving the pan will spread the fire and likely result in injury. Instead, you should turn off the burner and keep the pan in place.

As a last resort, you can use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher to put out the fire. This will make a mess and contaminate your kitchen, but it will stop the fire from spreading.

• Make sure you are using the correct type of fire extinguisher. A Class B extinguisher is designed for flammable liquids, such as grease and oil. Do not use a Class A-only fire extinguisher, as it is water-based. If you decide to use a multi-use fire extinguisher, it can be part A as long as it is also part B, such as an ABC fire extinguisher.
• Keep a safe distance from the fire. Stand a few feet away from the fire and spray the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not the flames.
• Sweep the extinguisher side to side, covering the area of the fire. Aim for the leading edge of the fire, where the fire meets the fuel source.
• Continue spraying until the fire is completely out. Do not stop spraying too early, as this could allow the fire to reignite.
• After the fire is out, clean up the residue properly. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the fire extinguisher for proper cleanup.

Remember, always use fire extinguishers with caution and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you are unsure how to use a fire extinguisher, call 911 and evacuate the area immediately.

Evacuate the building and call the fire department

If an oil pan fire breaks out, it is imperative to act quickly and calmly to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Here are the steps to take to evacuate the building and call the fire department:

Evacuate the Building

• Identify the nearest exit: In an emergency, your immediate priority is to get yourself and others to safety. Look for the closest exit or escape route. In most buildings, there will be clearly marked "EXIT" signs and evacuation maps posted throughout the building.
• Do not use elevators: During an emergency, elevators should not be used as they can malfunction or fail. Instead, use the stairs to evacuate the building. If you have a disability and cannot take the stairs, call 911 for assistance.
• Assist those who need help: If possible, help individuals with disabilities or young children who may require special assistance in evacuating the building safely.
• Leave the building: Proceed to the nearest exit as quickly as possible. Do not waste time gathering belongings; only take what is immediately within reach. Close but do not lock all doors as you leave.
• Go to a designated assembly area: Once you are out of the building, head to the designated safe assembly area. This is usually a pre-determined location at a safe distance from the building.

Call the Fire Department

• Contact emergency services: If you haven't already done so, call 911 to report the fire and request assistance from the fire department. Provide them with as much information as possible about the situation.
• Wait for instructions: Remain in the assembly area and follow any instructions provided by emergency responders. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until authorized to do so by the appropriate authorities, such as the fire department or police.
• Report any missing individuals: During the headcount, report any missing persons and their last known locations to emergency responders. This information will help them in their search and rescue efforts.
• Notify responders of special circumstances: Inform emergency responders about any sensitive research, operating equipment, animals left in the building, or other relevant details that may impact their response and handling of the situation.

Frequently asked questions