When something catches fire, and the smoke alarm starts ringing, your first instinct may be to go for the nearest liquid. However, using water can be counterintuitive and make things much worse when it comes to a grease fire.
Grease fires typically happen because of overheated oil. They spread rapidly and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Knowing what to do in those critical moments can help you keep calm and respond appropriately before things get out of hand.
This guide walks you through the proper steps during and after a grease fire to ensure safety and prevent further damage.
What to Do During a Grease Fire
When facing a grease fire, acting quickly and staying calm is crucial. Grease fires spread fast, so every second counts. Here are the steps to put out the fire safely before it gets out of control.
Turn off the heat source
Put on something heat-resistant and immediately turn off the stove. Leaving the stove on will keep adding heat to the fire, making it harder to control. Avoid moving the pot, as spilling burning oil can spread the fire even more quickly. With the heat turned off, you have two options:
Option 1: Cover the fire
If the fire is small and manageable, you can remove its oxygen supply. The fire will quickly burn out and die when the heat is off.
You can carefully slide a metal lid over the pan. Avoid using glass lids, as they can shatter from the intense heat. Using a skillet or baking sheet can also work; just make sure it’s large enough to cover the entire vessel.
Never pour water or other liquids directly onto a grease fire. Water will sink beneath the oil, flash boil, and create a dangerous fireball, spreading the flames outward. With the pot fully covered and the heat turned off, you can safely wait for the fire to die. Then, wait for it to completely cool before you start cleaning.
Option 2: Douse the fire
You can try dousing the fire if you can’t safely cover it. Baking soda is effective for small grease fires because it releases carbon dioxide, smothering the flames by removing oxygen. However, you’ll need a large amount for this to work. Also, be careful not to confuse baking soda with baking powder—the latter is highly combustible and can worsen things.
Salt is another option. It doesn’t catch fire, so it’s like pouring sand onto the fire to put it out. However, like baking soda, you’ll need enough to cover the fire for this method to work.
When all else fails, use a fire extinguisher
If covering or dousing doesn’t work, use a fire extinguisher. This option should be the last resort because the chemicals that will extinguish the fire can contaminate the kitchen and require serious effort to clean.
Just make sure you use the correct type of fire extinguisher. Check the label before you spray—it should be Type B or Type K.
If it’s Type A, check if it’s Type ABC. This multitype is suitable for grease fire, unlike Type A, a water-based extinguisher that may cause the same problems as pouring water. Try the other two methods first or call the fire department.
Once you’ve double-checked the fire extinguisher type, follow the PASS rule:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire (you must be a few feet away and move toward the fire)
- Squeeze the top handle
- Sweep from side to side
What to Do After a Grease Fire
Following the proper steps after a grease fire helps ensure your kitchen is safe and free from lingering damage.
1. Check for damage
Inspect the area where the fire occurred. Look for signs of structural damage to the stove, walls, and nearby surfaces. If the fire spread beyond the pan, assess whether repairs are needed.
2. Open ventilation
Next, it’s time to put your HVAC system to use. Proper ventilation will help get rid of the smoke and fumes. Open windows and exhaust fans or turn on the kitchen hood to circulate the air.
3. Deodorize the area
Grease fires leave behind a strong, unpleasant odor. Ventilating the area will help, but eliminating the smell can take some time. To deodorize faster, boil water with lemon slices or vinegar on the stove.
4. Remove ash and soot
Once the area is cool, carefully clean up any ash or soot. A vacuum cleaner or damp cloth is helpful in removing residue from nearby surfaces.
5. Wash affected accessories
You should thoroughly wash pots, pans, and utensils used during the fire. Grease and soot can cling to surfaces, so scrub everything with warm, soapy water.
6. Call in professionals
If the fire caused significant damage or the acrid smell won’t disappear, it’s best to call professionals. They can assess and repair structural issues and conduct deep cleaning to remove stubborn odors.
Don’t Let a Small Fire Turn into a Big Problem
Grease fires may start small but can escalate quickly if not handled properly. Yes, putting out grease fires is simple if you know how to respond. If you’re calm and ready, you can minimize the damage and lingering effects of the fire.
However, severe damage and odors should be handled by professionals. Don’t let the aftermath of a fire disrupt your home. Contact All Dry for expert restoration and odor removal. We are a Utah disaster restoration company that can rebuild your home no matter the damage!
