How to Stop a Grease Fire: Three Fire Safety Tips

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Pour Baking Soda/Salt onto the Flames

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2012 and 2016, cooking fires were the number one cause of home fires in the US at 48% of total home fires; a pretty scary number given there were almost 200,000 home fires reported during this same period. With this number in mind, a grease fire started over half of these cooking-related home fires. It’s essential to understand how to extinguish a grease fire safely properly. When trying to put out a grease fire, the wrong way can result in a severe disaster. 

Grease fires can combust immediately, you can be frying food in a pan, and a bit of smoke may start coming off of the oil, and the next thing you know, the oil has burst into flames. The first thing you should do immediately is turn off the range or heat source that could potentially make things worse. DO NOT try to move or slide the pot or pan with the flaming oil. Splashes of the oil can quickly spread around the kitchen and spread the fire this way. 

Three safe ways to extinguish a grease fire

Use a Fire Extinguisher (Class B)

It’s essential to keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen for scenarios like this, but it’s also important to make sure you have the right type of fire extinguisher to put out a grease fire. You should aim to have a Class B fire extinguisher or a multi-purpose one that includes Class B. This type of extinguisher is designed for flammable liquids and will best extinguish the flame if you have quick access to one. 

Cover Flame with a Metal Pan or Sheet

The key to putting out a fire is to cut off its oxygen source. Covering the flames with a metal baking sheet, lid, pot, or pan can allow the flame to burn out safely. Do not use plastic or glass for this as the heat from a grease fire is hot enough to melt or crack these materials.

Pour Baking Soda/Salt onto the Flames

Another quick way to smother the flames of a grease fire is by pouring a large enough amount of either salt or baking soda onto the fire. These common kitchen ingredients won’t combust and can safely extinguish the flames. Please note to never use flour or baking powder for this; these are combustible if dumped onto the fire and will only make the fire larger or spread it. 

Following all of these three steps can drastically reduce the odds of a grease fire occurring in your home. However, fires aren't always preventable. In the event you have a fire in your kitchen, please give SERVPRO of South Cobb a call anytime at (770) 739-2355. Our IICRC trained professionals are here to help you, 24/7.