How to Extinguish a Fire in a Toaster Oven

Do not let a small toaster oven fire turn into a disaster.

Fires in toaster ovens start small, and as long as they remain within the oven, can usually be controlled with conventional means. Common causes of toaster oven fires are grease spills inside the oven and items stored on top igniting from the heat of the oven. If the fire in the toaster oven leaves the oven, evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately. Do not attempt to put out a large fire yourself. This could result in injury, significant loss of property or death.

Things You'll Need

• ABC fire extinguisher

Instructions

1. Unplug the toaster oven as soon as you spot flames.

2. Leave the door to the oven shut until you see the flames die.

3. Stand 8 to 10 feet away from the toaster oven and pull the pin from your fire extinguisher. Squeeze the handle and sweep the stream across the toaster oven, if you still see flames, until they extinguish.

4. Call the fire department if you cannot put out the toaster oven fire with any of the above measures.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave your toaster oven unattended when in use.

• Always unplug the toaster oven after cooking.

• Do not store combustible materials on top of or near the toaster oven.

References

• PPD.gov: October Newsletter
• Government of Tuscon, Arizona: Fire Extinguishers
• Midland Texas Fire Department: Fire Prevention