How to Put Out an Oil Fire in a Grill
All types of fires need three components to burn; fuel, oxygen and heat. A grill fire is usually started from oils and greases dripping off foods. Oxygen enters the grill through the vents, which feeds the fire. Grill fires can range from very small and easy to put out to a large fire that engulfs the grill. A large gas grill fire can can even cause the propane tank to explode, which can cause serious injuries. Fires are extinguished by removing at least one of the three components. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Remove the food from the grill that is supplying grease and oil to the flames. Use tongs. This can prevent a very small grease fire from getting larger.
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2
Turn all the burners off on a gas grill to remove the fuel from the fire. Turn the natural gas or propane tank off at the shut off valve.
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3
Close the lid on the grill to deprive the fire of oxygen. Leave the lid closed and don’t open to peek at it for at least 5 minutes.
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4
Open the lid on the grill and throw handfuls of baking soda on the base of the flames to smother the fire.
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5
Remove the locking pin from a Class B fire extinguisher. Squeeze the two handles together with one hand and direct the nozzle at the base of the fire in a side to side sweeping motion to put out the fire.
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If you have a gas grill and can’t cut off the gas supply because the fire is too large, or if your grease fire is still blazing, call 911.
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Tips & Warnings
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) which releases carbon dioxide (CO2) when it is heated. Carbon dioxide removes oxygen from the fire to smother it.
Any fire extinguisher with the Class B label alone or a combination extinguisher such as Class ABC or BC puts out grease and oil fires with little or no cleanup necessary.
Don’t move a grill that is on fire. Movement supplies the fire with more oxygen and it will blaze larger.
References
Resources
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