Grease fires can be extremely dangerous because they can cause injuries and damage to your property. They are usually caused by oil, grease, or fat on the stovetop, or by deep-fat fryers getting too hot. These fires are extremely hot and can spread quickly. You should do the following if you encounter a grease fire:

1. Shut off the stove.
2. Make sure to cover the pot or pan with a lid.
3. Use baking soda, salt, or a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
4. If you are unable to put the fire out yourself, make sure to call 911.

How do grease fires happen?

Even if you are the safest cook around, you may end up with a grease fire in your kitchen. Grease fires can be super dangerous as their source is a liquid which can spread quickly to other areas of your kitchen such as cabinets or other flammable areas. Usually, about 10% of residential cooking fires spread further than the cooking vessel where they started, and they can cause serious property damage and even injuries.

The main reason why grease fires happen is because the stove was left unattended while cooking. As oil and grease are flammable, it is important to never leave them unattended. Oils can catch fire quickly as the smoke point for many common oils is from 320 to 520 degrees Fahrenheit.

You should also be aware of warning signs when your oil is getting too hot so you can turn the heat down and avoid a fire. As oil can heat up very quickly, it will start smoking and can catch on fire in 30 seconds. About half of all home cooking fires are caused by grease, oil, or fat.

Putting Out a Grease Fire

Grease fires can happen at any time even if you take proper precautions. This is why you should know the steps you need to take to put out the fire. For a fire to happen, it needs a heat source, fuel, and oxygen. When you remove one of these components, the fire will go out.  

You should never try to put out a grease fire with water. When you throw water on a fire, it can cause the grease to splash, allowing it to spread and harm others. This is why it is also very dangerous to move a pan for the same reason.

How to Put Out a Grease Fire

If you experience a grease fire at your home or business, this is what you should do:

1. Shut off the stove:

If you are in the process of cooking something and it starts to catch fire, make sure to remove the item from the heat and shut off the heat source. If the fire happens inside the oven, make sure to leave the door closed. This helps remove the oxygen from the fire which can help with putting it out.

2. Make sure to cover the pot or pan with a lid:

The best way to get rid of oxygen from a grease fire is to get it covered with a metal pan or a baking sheet. However, you should make sure to use metal tongs so you can keep your hands and arms safe. Never use an over mitt as the material can catch on fire and you can get injured. You should also avoid using ceramic or glass lids as they can shatter when exposed to extreme fire.

3. Use baking soda or salt to put out the fire:

You should not use water to put out the fire. Instead, you can try baking soda as it releases carbon dioxide which can smother fire. Keep in mind that you will need large amounts of baking soda to put out a grease fire. Salt is also effective in putting out fires as it can form a barrier between fire and air which prevents the fire from getting oxygen to keep burning. Although baking soda is a great way to put out grease fires, other powder ingredients such as flour can explode in extreme heat. Never use them to put out grease fire.

4. Use a Class K fire extinguisher to put out grease fires:

If you are unable to put out the grease fire with a lid, baking soda, or salt, you should use a fire extinguisher. For this type of fire, it is best to use a Class K fire extinguisher specifically meant for putting out cooking fires. They work by forming a soapy foam on the surface of the fire and that cuts off air flow. They also help cool down the fire. If you do not have a Class K extinguisher, you can also use a Class B fire extinguisher. However, you should never use a Class A fire extinguisher as it is water based.

5. Call 911:

If the fire gets out of control and you are unable to put it out with any of the methods outlined above, you should call 911 right away. Never wait until the fire is out of control. When you are on the phone with the fire department, they will ask you questions to find out more about the situation and to be able to give you instructions so you can try to put out the fire yourself. If it is needed, they will dispatch the firefighters to your home. Once the fire is out, call the restoration professionals.

Preventing Grease Fires

It is always best to prevent grease fires than to have to put them out. The best way to do this is to remove fire hazards and understand the flash points for the oils you commonly use.

Here are some ways you can stay fire-free in your kitchen:

• Always keep your eyes on the stove:

When you are cooking (especially with oil or grease), make sure to pay attention. Once the oil starts to smoke, that means it could start a fire.

• Never overheat your oil:

You should heat oil slowly. Never go over the flash point for the oil you are using.

• Make sure to remove any flammable materials from the cooking area:

Your cooking space should be clean. Anytime that your pots boil over on your stovetop, make sure to wipe them down. Also, if your oven has grease or food buildup, make sure to clean it so that it does not start on fire. Always keep towels and cookbooks in a safe area and away from burners and hot oil.

• Have a lid nearby:

If your cooking pot catches on fire, you will not have time to look for a lid. You should always keep a lid for your pot on the counter close by when you are cooking, even if you think you will not need it.

• Know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it:

Even if you have a fire extinguisher in your home, if you do not know how to use it, it will not be helpful. Know the type of fire extinguisher you have and how to use it. Make sure to always keep a safe distance from a fire when using it and spray the fire from the side so it blows away from you. Also, always replace the fire extinguishers as directed on their labels.

Have you experienced a fire at your home or business?  Call a professional right away who provides fire damage restoration services. These technicians will handle the fire damage cleanup quickly and efficiently to restore your property back to its original state.