Research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals that a huge number of home fires originate in kitchens and the main cause is cooking. Among kitchen fires, those caused by grease and oil are among the most difficult to put out due to their properties and the risks they pose. Read our guide to learn how to put out a grease fire, including what you can use, safety measures to take and more.
How does a grease fire start?
When the cause of a fire is the burning of oil or grease, it is classified as a Class K fire. Class K fires usually occur when cooking oils, fats, greases, and similar substances catch fire after being left unattended for long periods of time. periods of time or exposed to temperatures that affect its stability. This type of fire is the most common of cooking-related fires.
In some cases, rags soaked in grease and oil have been known to spontaneously catch fire. Under certain conditions, towels and rags used to absorb or clean oil in kitchens and other environments can become combustible and catch fire without requiring a heat source.
Grease fire hazards
Because they can involve oils and greases, there are additional risks associated with grease fires. For example, without proper cleaning, grease or oil residue from previous cooking could be everywhere in your kitchen, which could make it easier once a grease fire starts.
Additionally, when dealing with a grease fire, the person trying to put it out is exposed to hot oil and other substances that could cause severe burns if spilled or splashed. A severe fat or oil burn will extend beyond the first layer of skin.
How to put out a grease fire
Depriving a grease fire of oxygen may be the safest route if it has not become unmanageable. Below are some tips that may help you safely extinguish a small grease fire:
- Turn off the heat if you can reach it without burning yourself. You can use oven gloves to protect your hands.
- If on a stovetop, cover the pan or pot with a baking sheet, metal lid, or another pan. This should contain and smother small fires.
- You can also cover the fire with baking soda (to release carbon dioxide and smother it) or salt (to stop contact with oxygen).
- If all else fails and you have access to a fire extinguisher, you should use it. The use of fire extinguishers is recommended as a last resort because they can contaminate kitchens and can be dangerous if used by inexperienced people.
You should not try to put out a grease fire by throwing water, flour, yeast or sugar on it, as these have properties that can exacerbate flames and some could potentially explode.
If attempting to put out the fire is not an option, the local fire department should be able to handle it. According to the NFPA, firefighters may be more likely to respond to fires that occur in homes with alarm systems that monitor fires. If you’re currently looking for one, check out our picks for the best home security systems.
Because water and grease fires don’t mix
Water is not a safe or viable option for extinguishing a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire will have the same effect as when water hits heating oil on a pan. This would cause grease to splatter, which could potentially spread the flames faster and harm the person trying to put it out.
This is because water cannot heat up at the same rate as oils and fats when used for cooking. Therefore, when water is introduced into hot oil, it vaporizes and expands instantly, creating bubbles that explode.
Fire safety tips in the kitchen
Even though cooking is something many people do every day, it’s important to remember that it still carries great risks. Below are some tips to stay safe while cooking:
- If you are frying or grilling food, do not leave the stove or hob unattended.
- When heating vegetable oils, fats or similar ingredients, keep an eye on them and do not expose them to excessive heat.
- Keep ingredients and utensils that could easily catch fire away from open flames.
- Regularly check what you are baking, broiling or roasting in the oven.
- Smoke points can provide a general guide of temperatures at which to cook certain oils and fats without burning them, although research suggests that other factors are more important in determining a cooking oil’s heat stability.
Frequently asked questions about how to put out a grease fire
What can you use to put out a grease fire?
Small grease fires can be smothered with metal baking pans and lids. Glass lids are not recommended because they can shatter at certain high temperatures. Pouring salt or baking soda on small fires can also help put them out.
What type of fire extinguisher will put out a grease fire?
Grease fires can be extinguished with Class K fire extinguishers, which are specially designed to extinguish fires in appliances such as deep fryers without oil splashes or reignitions. Some Class B fire extinguishers may work as they may also be able to neutralize grease, but you should always check that the specific extinguisher you are purchasing can do the job.
What to do when you can’t put out the fire?
If the fire gets out of control and cannot be put out, you should exit safely with all family members and pets residing with you. Once you are assured of your safety and the safety of your loved ones, you should contact your local fire department and emergency services (9-1-1).
Summary of Money’s guide on how to put out a grease fire
- Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires in the United States
- According to research, kitchen fires are mainly caused by the burning of fats, oils, fats and similar substances.
- Oxygen deprivation or suffocation is the best approach to extinguishing a grease fire.
- Water should never be used to extinguish a Class K fire, as it will only make the fire worse or cause injury.
- If the fire gets out of control, you should contact local emergency services.