How to Safely Handle a Grease Fire in Your Kitchen

Grease fires are among the most dangerous types of home fires, and they can start in an instant. Whether you're frying food, using oils, or cooking with grease, it’s crucial to know how to respond if a grease fire occurs. Many people make mistakes during these situations, often because they panic or act without understanding the proper steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to safely handle a grease fire in your kitchen—and, most importantly, how to prevent one from happening in the first place.

What Causes a Grease Fire?

Grease fires occur when cooking oil or grease becomes overheated and ignites. Unlike water, which boils and evaporates when heated, grease can reach a temperature where it catches fire. Once ignited, grease fires can spread quickly and are incredibly hard to extinguish if you don’t use the right method.

Common Causes of Grease Fires:

• Leaving oil unattended while cooking.
• Cooking with too much oil or grease at once.
• Overheating oil beyond its smoke point.
• Spilling grease onto a heat source or open flame.

Key Prevention Tip: Never leave cooking oil unattended, and always monitor its temperature to prevent overheating. Use a thermometer to keep track of the oil's heat and stay within the recommended temperature range for your recipe.

What NOT to Do During a Grease Fire

When faced with a grease fire, it’s easy to act impulsively, but certain actions can make the situation much worse. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Never Use Water. Pouring water on a grease fire may seem logical, but it can cause the fire to spread. When water comes into contact with burning oil, it turns to steam instantly, causing the flames to erupt violently.
2. Don’t Move the Pan. It’s tempting to carry a flaming pan outside, but moving it can cause the fire to spread if grease spills. Keep the fire contained and act where it is.
3. Avoid Using a Fire Extinguisher (Unless It’s Rated for Grease Fires). Standard fire extinguishers can make grease fires worse by spreading burning grease across the area. Only use a Class K fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed for grease fires, or follow the steps below.

How to Safely Extinguish a Grease Fire

If a grease fire starts in your kitchen, follow these steps to safely put it out:

1. Turn Off the Heat. The first step is to stop adding heat to the fire. Turn off the burner or heat source immediately.
2. Cover the Flames with a Lid. Carefully place a metal lid or a baking sheet over the pan to smother the flames. This deprives the fire of oxygen, which it needs to keep burning. Never use glass lids, as they can shatter from the heat.
3. Use Baking Soda or Salt. If the fire is small and manageable, pour baking soda or salt onto the flames. These substances help smother the fire. Avoid using flour or other powders, as they can be flammable and make the fire worse.
4. Evacuate and Call for Help if Necessary. If the fire grows out of control or spreads, evacuate your home immediately and call emergency services. It’s always better to prioritise safety over trying to handle a large fire on your own.

How to Prevent Grease Fires

The best way to deal with a grease fire is to prevent it from happening in the first place. By taking proactive steps, you can minimise the risk of a fire starting in your kitchen.

Prevention Tips:

• Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure oil doesn’t exceed its smoke point.
• Use the Right Pan Size: Avoid overfilling pans with oil, as this increases the chance of spillage.
• Keep Flammable Items Away: Ensure paper towels, wooden utensils, and other flammables are far from your cooking area.
• Stay Focused: Never leave your cooking unattended, especially when frying or using oil.
  
  

Essential Tools to Keep on Hand

Being prepared is key to handling kitchen fires. Having the right tools within reach can make all the difference.

Recommended Fire Safety Tools:

• Metal Lid: For smothering flames.
• Baking Soda or Salt: To extinguish small fires.
• Fire Blanket: A compact, heat-resistant blanket designed to put out kitchen fires.
• Class K Fire Extinguisher: Specifically rated for grease fires.

Conclusion

Grease fires are serious but manageable if you know what to do. By following these tips, you can act quickly and confidently in the event of a fire—and take steps to ensure one never starts in the first place. Remember, preparation is your best defence against kitchen fires. Keep safety tools nearby, and always stay attentive while cooking.

Take the time to review your kitchen fire safety plan today. It could save your home—and your life.