How to Stop an Oven Fire

An oven fire is serious business. It needs to be tended to immediately and effectively. Fire spreads quickly and even a slight delay could mean your house could go up in flames and your family could be injured or worse. The following will help you quickly smother and take proper precautions in putting out an oven fire.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Oven mitt or towel
• Metal lid or cookie sheet
• Baking soda or salt
• Dry chemical fire extinguisher

Stovetop Fires

1. Turn off the burner. This will remove the energy behind the fire.

2. Put on an oven mitt or tightly wrap your arm with a kitchen towel to protect you from the fire.

3. Place a lid or cookie sheet on the fire. This will remove the oxygen supply and help smother the fire on your stovetop.

4. Smother any grease or oil fires with a large amount of baking soda or salt.

5. Get everyone out of your home immediately.

6. Call 9-1-1 if you cannot put out the fire.

Oven Fires

1. Close the oven door to cut off the oxygen supply.

2. Turn off the oven.

3. Leave the house immediately.

4. Call 9-1-1 if you cannot put out the fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only a dry chemical fire extinguisher on grease or oil fires.

• Remember, stop, drop and roll if you are on fire.

• Never leave the kitchen while you have a burner going, especially when you are frying something with oil.

• Do not throw water on electrical oven fires.

Resources

• Fire safety in ovens.
• Stopping fires in the kitchen.