What Are Three Ways to Put Out a Grease Fire?

Be prepared with knowledge about how to put out grease fires.

Grease fires, caused when hot oil catches fire, are dangerous and can quickly get out of hand. Anyone who spends time in the kitchen should learn how to put out a grease fire so he is prepared if the situation occurs. There are safe ways to put out the fire if you react calmly. Never put water on a grease fire. That will only make it worse.

Baking Soda

When cooking with grease, always have baking soda on hand. Baking soda contains bicarbonate, which releases carbon dioxide, or CO2. Carbon dioxide is the same chemical contained in fire extinguishers. If your pan starts to flame, extinguish the fire by pouring baking soda on the flames. Baking soda will put out a small grease fire, but it will take more baking soda than anyone normally has to put out a large fire. Don't substitute flour for baking soda. Flour thrown on a grease fire will make it much worse.

Cover the Fire

Extinguish the flames by covering the pan with a damp towel.

Cover the pan with a metal lid to quickly extinguish a grease fire. Be sure to also turn off the stove if it's safe to do so. A fire needs oxygen to burn, and the lid will eliminate oxygen getting to the flame. Don't use a glass lid because it might shatter. The fire will also be extinguished if you cover the pan with a large, damp towel. The towel should not be dripping water, or it will make the fire worse. A damp towel will smother the flames and eliminate the oxygen. Keep the towel or the lid on the pan until the grease has cooled.

Fire Extinguisher

As a last resort, spray the flames with a fire extinguisher. Class B or K extinguishers are the only ones that are effective on a grease fire. If the fire is small and you can get to the extinguisher immediately, you should be able to put out the fire. The stove should be turned off if it's safe to do so, and try to place a lid or a damp cloth on the pan, if possible. If the flames are still coming off of the pan, the extinguisher should be effective. If the fire has spread, call the fire department and get out of the kitchen.

Other Precautions

Always watch oil when it's cooking. If you see smoke, turn the heat source down or off. If a fire starts, remain calm and keep your wits about you. Panicking can make the situation deteriorate. Don't move the pan, or you may get splashed with hot grease. Don't leave the kitchen if you can safely take care of the fire, or it will get worse and spread to other areas. Call 911 and leave the kitchen if the situation gets out of hand and the fire is endangering your health.

References

• Regents of the University of California; Oil and Grease Fires; Huntsville, AL, Fire Chief; 2011
• The Kitchn; Kitchen Safety - How to Put Out a Grease Fire; Emma Christensen; February 2011
• Dummies: How to Put Out Kitchen Fires
• U.S. Fire Administration: Fire Extinguishers