How To Put Out Grease Fires

Author: Jenny J. Brown
January 4, 2024

Grease fire is a common problem in kitchens. If you don’t know how to put out a grease fire, then you might get burned or, even worse, cause a big mess.

You should always follow these steps to put out a grease fire. First, turn off the gas supply valve at the stovetop. Then, open the burner cover and pour some water into the pan. Next, add baking soda (or cornstarch) to the hot oil until it turns white. Finally, close the burner cover and wait for the flame to go out.

Table of Contents

What Causes a Grease Fire

A grease fire is typically caused by the ignition of cooking oil or grease. When cooking oil or grease is heated beyond its smoke point, it can catch fire. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and smoke, and when the oil reaches this point, it can easily ignite if exposed to an open flame or high-heat source.

Other common causes of grease fires include leaving a pan unattended on the stove, dropping food into hot oil, or splattering hot grease onto the burner. Additionally, using the wrong type of cooking oil with a low smoke point for high-heat cooking can also increase the risk of a grease fire. It’s important to be aware of the smoke points of different oils and to always stay vigilant and attentive while cooking with oil to prevent the possibility of a dangerous grease fire.

Putting Out a Stove Top Grease Fire

If a grease fire ignites on your stovetop, it’s important to act quickly and effectively to put it out. The first step is to turn off the burner and cover the pan with a metal lid or another non-flammable object to deprive the fire of oxygen. Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water, as this will only cause the flames to spread and intensify.

If the fire is small and can be safely managed, you can also try smothering it with baking soda or a fire extinguisher specifically designed for grease fires. Do not use flour or baking powder, as these can also cause the fire to escalate.

If the fire is too large to handle on your own, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department for assistance. It’s crucial to never leave a stove unattended while cooking with oil and to always have a plan in place for dealing with a potential grease fire.

How To Put Out Grease Fires
  • Save

Putting Out a Grease Fire in the Oven

Grease fires in the oven can be extremely dangerous and should be addressed immediately. The first step in putting out a grease fire in the oven is to turn off the heat source. This could mean turning off the oven or the stovetop, depending on where the fire originated. It’s crucial to resist the urge to open the oven door, as this can cause the fire to spread.

Instead, leave the oven door closed to starve the fire of oxygen. If the fire is small and contained, you can try to smother it by carefully sprinkling baking soda or salt over the flames. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire, as it can cause the flames to flare up and spread.

If you are unable to contain the fire quickly and safely, do not hesitate to call the fire department for assistance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with a grease fire in the oven.

Why Grease Fires Happen

Grease fires happen when oil or grease in a pan or pot overheats and ignites. This is often due to leaving a pan unattended on a stove, allowing the oil to reach its smoke point and then catch fire. Grease fires can also occur when oil spills onto the burner or when food with excess oil drips onto the heat source.

Moreover, using the wrong type of oil for high-heat cooking can also increase the risk of a grease fire. For example, using oils with low smoke points, such as olive or flaxseed oil, for deep-frying or high-temperature cooking can lead to a fire hazard. Additionally, overcrowding the cooking area with too many pots and pans can also lead to splattering, which increases the risk of a grease fire.

It is important to be aware of these potential causes and take necessary precautions, such as monitoring the heat of the oil, keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leaving oil unattended on the stovetop.

When Does Grease Catch Fire?

Cooking is the leading source of home fires and burns. Greases and oils are highly flammable, so when cooking with them, you need to be aware of the danger signs that the fat is heating up.

How to put out a grease fire

A grease fire is considered a type of kitchen fire. If it gets out of control, it could cause serious damage to your home. You must call 911 immediately. Do not try to put out the fire yourself. Instead, use a fire extinguisher.

Water Makes Grease Fires Worse

If you think about it, there are few things more dangerous than a grease fire. You might think that pouring water on a grease fire would make it burn faster, but it actually does just the opposite.

In fact, water makes grease fires worse because it cools down the flames and spreads the heat around. If you do try to put out a grease fire with water, here’s what you should know.

Oil burns hotter if exposed to oxygen. When you pour water over a grease fire, it absorbs some of the oil’s heat and spreads it throughout the room. This causes the grease to smoke even more, making the situation much worse.

Turn Off the Stove

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in the home. If you don’t know how to handle a grease fire, you could end up losing everything. Here’s what to do if you find yourself dealing with a grease fire in the kitchen.

Turn Off the Stove
  • Save

Cover with a Lid

A grease fire is one of the most dangerous kitchen fires. If you don’t know how to put out a grease fire, you could end up setting off a chain reaction that causes an explosion. To keep things under control, cover the flames with a metal pan lid. This will slow down the spread of heat and smoke.

Don’t use a fabric oven mitt because it may catch fire and burn you. Instead, use metal tongs to grab hot pans without touching your skin. Metal tongs are safer than fabric gloves because they won’t melt like fabric does.

Douse the Flames

Do not attempt to douse a grease fire with water. Instead, cover the area where the fire is located with wet towels or blankets. Cover the towels or blankets with sand or dirt to absorb excess moisture. Then, move the towels or blankets to a safe location outside.

Baking soda or salt

Salt and baking soda are both great ways to put out small fires. But don’t use either one to fight a large blaze. Baking soda won’t do anything and salt could actually make things worse.

The best way to deal with a small fire is to smother it with something heavy like sand or dirt. If there isn’t enough weight, water works too. You can also cover up the flames with a blanket or piece of cardboard. If you see smoke coming from a burning object, turn off the heat source immediately.

Why are grease fires so dangerous?

Grease fires are particularly dangerous because they can quickly escalate out of control. When grease heats up, it can reach extremely high temperatures, causing it to ignite easily and spread rapidly. The intense flames produced by a grease fire can cause severe burns and ignite nearby objects, leading to a much larger fire.

Additionally, water should never be used to extinguish a grease fire, as it can cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the fire even further. Instead, the correct method for extinguishing a grease fire is to smother it by covering the flames with a metal lid or sheet pan or by using a fire extinguisher specifically designed for grease fires.

If left unchecked, a grease fire can quickly consume an entire kitchen and pose a serious threat to anyone in the vicinity. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the proper safety measures for preventing and responding to grease fires in order to minimize the risk of injury and property damage.

How To Put Out Grease Fires
  • Save

If you are unable to extinguish the grease fire:

If you are unable to extinguish the grease fire, it is crucial to immediately evacuate the area and call for professional help. Grease fires can quickly escalate and spread, posing a serious threat to your safety and the safety of others in the vicinity. Do not attempt to contain the fire on your own, as it can easily become out of control and cause severe damage to the property.

Instead, alert everyone in the vicinity about the fire and instruct them to vacate the premises as quickly and calmly as possible. Once you and others are safely outside, contact the fire department and inform them about the situation.

Provide them with as much information as possible, including the exact location of the fire and any potential hazards. It is crucial to prioritize your safety and the safety of others in the event of a grease fire, and seeking professional assistance is the best course of action in order to minimize the risk of injury and property damage.

Why Can’t You Throw Water On A Grease Fire?

Throwing water on a grease fire is extremely dangerous because it can spread the fire instead of extinguishing it. When water comes into contact with hot grease, it instantly turns into steam, which causes the grease to splatter and spread the fire to other surfaces.

The intense heat and energy from the grease fire can cause the water to evaporate rapidly, creating a steam explosion that can easily ignite nearby flammable materials. Instead of using water, it is recommended to smother a grease fire by covering it with a metal lid, a damp cloth, or a large amount of baking soda.

Additionally, using a fire extinguisher designed for grease fires is also effective in extinguishing the flames. It is essential to remember that throwing water on a grease fire can have disastrous consequences, and it is important to be aware of the proper methods for dealing with this type of fire to prevent it from escalating.

Tips to prevent grease fires

Grease fires can be incredibly dangerous and devastating, but there are measures you can take to prevent them from occurring. First and foremost, it’s important to never leave a cooking pot or pan unattended when it contains hot oil or grease. It’s also crucial to keep a close eye on the heat settings of your stove and never place anything on the burners that could potentially ignite.

Additionally, it’s important to properly clean your stovetop and oven to prevent any grease buildup that could catch fire. Using a splatter guard when cooking with oil can also help prevent spills and splatters that could lead to a grease fire.

In the event that a small grease fire does occur, it’s important to have a metal lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother the flames, as water should never be used to extinguish a grease fire. These simple tips can help prevent the risk of a grease fire in your kitchen and keep you and your family safe.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What is a grease fire?

A grease fire is a type of cooking fire that involves flammable cooking oils or fats igniting and producing flames. It can be very dangerous and should be handled with caution.

How do I prevent a grease fire?

To prevent a grease fire, always stay in the kitchen while cooking and avoid overheating the oil or grease. Keep flammable items away from the stove and use caution when working with hot oil.

Can I use water to extinguish a grease fire?

No, using water on a grease fire can actually make the fire worse. Water can cause the hot oil to splatter and spread the flames, leading to more extensive damage and potential injuries.

What should I do if a grease fire starts in my kitchen?

If a grease fire starts, turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. Never use water to extinguish the fire. Instead, cover the flames with a metal lid or use a fire extinguisher specifically designed for grease fires (Class K or Class B).

How can I safely put out a grease fire?

Safely put out a grease fire by carefully covering the flames with a metal lid or using a fire extinguisher designed for Class K or Class B fires. Avoid using water or other methods that can make the fire worse.

What is the best way to extinguish a small grease fire?

For a small grease fire, you can use salt or baking soda to smother the flames. However, always be prepared to evacuate and call the fire department if the fire becomes uncontrollable.

Conclusion

A grease fire is an emergency that requires quick action. It’s important to follow these steps if you want to avoid getting hurt or losing property.

The following article will give you information regarding how to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bugs are very difficult to remove once they have taken hold in your home. The best way to eliminate them is to find their hiding places and seal them up.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
0 Shares
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap