If a grease fire starts on your stove:
Turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so Cover the pan with a metal lid Use a fire extinguisher
Never use water; it can make the fire explode Never try to move the burning panWhen in doubt, get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
Your safety comes first.
A Few More Tips :
If a grease fire starts in your kitchen, never use water to extinguish it. Water will cause the burning oil to splash and vaporize, resulting in a dangerous fireball that can rapidly spread the fire and cause severe burns.
Firecode Safety Equipment, Inc. +2
(1) Immediate Actions to Extinguish a Grease Fire :
If the fire is small and contained in a pan, follow these steps immediately:
- Turn Off the Heat Source: Immediately switch off the burner or oven to stop feeding the fire.
- Smother the Flames: Carefully slide a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan to cut off the oxygen supply.
- Caution: Do not use a glass lid, as the extreme heat can cause it to shatter.
- Leave the Pan Alone: Keep the lid in place until the pan has cooled completely. Removing it too soon can reintroduce oxygen and cause the fire to reignite.
- Use Baking Soda or Salt: For very small fires, you can douse them with a large amount of baking soda or salt.
- Warning: Never use flour or baking powder, as they are combustible and can cause an explosion.
- Fire Extinguishers: Use a Class K (preferred for kitchens) or a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher as a last resort.
- Action: Aim at the base of the fire from a distance using the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
(2) Critical Safety “Don’ts” :
- DO NOT move the pan: Attempting to carry a burning pan to the sink or outside can cause burning oil to splash on you or ignite other parts of your home.
- DO NOT use a towel: Even a wet towel can cause a steam explosion, while a dry towel may catch fire itself.
(3) When to Evacuate :
If the fire spreads beyond the pan, grows taller than a foot, or if you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately. Close the door behind you as you exit to help contain the flames and call 911 from a safe distance.
(4) Prevention Tips :
- Stay in the kitchen: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
- Monitor oil temperature: Watch for wisps of smoke, which indicate the oil is getting too hot and nearing its “flash point”.
- Keep a lid nearby: Always have a matching metal lid accessible whenever you are cooking with oil.
- Clean regularly: Prevent grease buildup on stovetops, ovens, and extractor hoods, as this residue can serve as fuel.
These guides provide crucial safety tips for extinguishing kitchen grease fires and preventing future incidents.
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