Preventing Pan Oil Fires: Quick Action, Safe Kitchen

Grease fires are a serious danger in the kitchen and can be caused when cooking oil becomes too hot. Oils will first boil, then smoke, and then catch fire. Most vegetable oils will start smoking at around 450°F, while animal fats like lard or goose fat will smoke at around 375°F. To prevent a grease fire, always stay in the kitchen when heating oil and use a heavy pot with a lid and a thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you see smoke or smell something acrid, turn down the heat or remove the pot from the burner. If a fire does occur, do not panic. Turn off the heat and cover the pot with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen supply. For small fires, you can also use baking soda or salt to extinguish the flames. If the fire is out of control, use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher, or evacuate and call the fire department.

Turn off the heat source

If you're dealing with a pan oil fire, the first step is to remove the heat source. This means turning off the burner, oven, or broiler. It's important to act quickly, as oil can catch fire in as little as 30 seconds once it starts to smoke. Do not try to move the pot, as you might accidentally splash burning oil on yourself or your surroundings.

If the fire is in the oven, keep the door closed. This will deprive the fire of oxygen and help to put it out. For fires on a stovetop, the priority is to cut off the heat source and then follow the steps outlined below to prevent the fire from spreading and to extinguish it.

If you have an electric stove, turning off the heat source may not be enough to stop the fire from spreading. Electric stoves stay warm after use, so simply turning off the heat source may not be sufficient to prevent the fire from continuing to burn. In this case, use a metal lid or cookie sheet to seal off the air and deprive the fire of oxygen.

If you have a gas stove, turning off the heat source will cut off the direct heat supply. However, it's important to act quickly as the stovetop may remain hot for a short period, and oil can ignite within 30 seconds of starting to smoke. Use a metal lid or other appropriate tools to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

Remember, the key to effectively dealing with a pan oil fire is to act quickly and remove the heat source as soon as possible. This will help to prevent the fire from spreading and give you a better chance of extinguishing it safely.

Cover the pot with a metal lid

If you're dealing with a pan oil fire, covering the pot with a metal lid is an effective way to put it out. This method works because fire needs oxygen to burn, so by cutting off the oxygen supply, the fire will be extinguished. Make sure to turn off the heat before attempting to cover the pot, as moving the pot could cause burning oil to splash.

When covering the pot, it is important to use a metal lid. Glass or ceramic lids should be avoided as they may shatter due to the extreme heat of the fire. Using metal tongs to put the lid in place can help keep your hands and arms safe.

It is also worth noting that having the lid for the pot nearby when cooking with oil is a good idea. In the event of a fire, you won't have time to hunt for the correct lid. Additionally, keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is always a good idea.

While using a metal lid to cover a pan oil fire is a recommended method, there are other steps you can take to put out a small grease fire. These include using baking soda, salt, or a fire extinguisher to douse the fire. However, it is important to never use water to try and extinguish a grease fire, as this can cause the fire to spread.

Pour on baking soda

If you have a pan oil fire, one of the steps you can take is to pour on baking soda. Baking soda is an effective way to extinguish small grease fires. When heated, it releases carbon dioxide, which can smother the fire.

However, it is important to note that it takes a lot of baking soda to extinguish a grease fire. If you are unable to fully cover the fire with baking soda, it may not be effective. In this case, it may be more practical to use a metal lid to cover the fire and cut off its oxygen supply.

It is also crucial to remember that prevention is the best safety measure when it comes to pan oil fires. Always stay in the kitchen when heating oil, and keep an eye on the oil as it heats up. If you notice any signs of smoking or an acrid smell, turn down the heat or remove the pot from the burner immediately.

Additionally, never use water to try and extinguish a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. It can also carry grease particles, further spreading the flames.

Use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher

If you have a pan oil fire, using a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher is a good option. These extinguishers are designed to tackle fires involving flammable liquids, such as cooking oils, and gases. They work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen, and chemical reaction).

To use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher effectively, follow these steps:

• Ensure that you are using the correct type of fire extinguisher. Class B extinguishers are designed for flammable liquids and gases.
• Identify the location of the fire extinguisher. In the case of a pan oil fire, it should be located near the stove or in the kitchen.
• Read the labels carefully to confirm it is a Class B extinguisher. They may be labeled as "B-C" or "BC," indicating their use for Class B and C fires.
• Grab the extinguisher and pull the pin. This will unlock the operating lever and allow you to discharge the extinguishing agent.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, releasing the dry chemical agent onto the fire.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side to ensure thorough coverage of the extinguishing agent on the fire.
• Continue applying the agent until the fire is completely extinguished.

Remember, it is crucial to only use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher when dealing with a pan oil fire. Using a water-based extinguisher, such as a Class A, can be extremely dangerous and cause the fire to spread. Always prioritize your safety and, if the fire is out of control, evacuate the area and call for emergency services.

Evacuate and call 911

If a grease fire breaks out in your kitchen, your first instinct might be to try to fight it. However, if the fire is out of control, the best course of action is to evacuate the premises immediately and call 911. Here's what you need to do:

Evacuate the Premises

Do not waste time trying to grab your belongings or valuables. The most important thing is to get yourself and any other occupants out of harm's way as quickly as possible. Leave the building through the safest exit, ensuring that you do not pass through any areas affected by the fire. If there is smoke, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling it. Use an alternative exit if the primary route is blocked by flames or smoke. Once you are a safe distance away from the building, usually at least 300 feet, find a spot where you can wait for emergency services.

Call 911

As soon as you are out of the building, use your phone or ask a neighbour to call 911. Provide them with the address of the fire, the nature of the situation, and any other relevant details. If anyone is injured or trapped inside, be sure to inform the operator. It is crucial that you do not delay in making this call, as every second counts when dealing with a fire.

Warn Others

If there are other occupants in the building, shout or use another method to alert them to the fire. Help young children, older adults, or anyone with mobility issues to evacuate safely. If someone is unable to leave the building, try to move them away from the fire and protect them from smoke inhalation while waiting for emergency services. Do not put yourself in danger; if you cannot help someone evacuate, focus on your own safety and inform the fire department about the trapped individual(s).

Do Not Re-enter the Building

Once you have evacuated, do not go back inside for any reason. This includes retrieving personal belongings, pets, or attempting to fight the fire. The fire department is equipped with the necessary tools and training to handle the situation. Re-entering a burning building puts yourself and emergency responders at risk.

Account for Everyone

As you gather at the designated meeting place, take a headcount to ensure that everyone who was in the building has made it out safely. Inform the fire department if anyone is unaccounted for so they can initiate a search and rescue operation.

Remember, your safety is the top priority. By following these steps and evacuating and calling 911, you help ensure that emergency services can respond promptly and effectively to the grease fire.

Frequently asked questions