Can I put out a grease fire with water? No, you must never use water on a grease fire. Using water on burning oil or grease makes the fire spread fast and become much worse. Knowing what to do in a kitchen fire quickly is key to safety. This guide shows you safe ways to put out a small kitchen fire and keep your home secure. We will cover different types of kitchen fires and the best steps for each. Good kitchen fire safety tips prevent big problems.
Knowing the Different Types of Kitchen Fires
Not all fires are the same. Fires in the kitchen usually involve different things that burn. Knowing the fire type helps you choose the right way to stop it.
Class K Fires (Cooking Oil Fires)
These fires happen when cooking oils or animal fats get too hot and catch fire. These are often the most dangerous kitchen fires because they burn very hot. They are called Class K fires. Extinguishing grease fire situations require special care. Water makes these fires explode into flames.
Ordinary Combustibles (Class A Fires)
These fires involve common items like paper towels, wooden spoons, or cloth napkins catching fire. These are less common than grease fires but still happen.
Electrical Fires (Class C Fires)
If an appliance like a toaster or mixer shorts out and sparks, it causes an electrical fire. Do not use water on these fires because water conducts electricity.
Immediate Steps: What To Do When Fire Starts
If a small fire starts, stay calm. Quick action saves lives and property.
Step 1: Turn Off the Heat Source
If the fire is on the stovetop, your first step is to turn off the burner immediately. If you can reach the knob safely, do this first. Cutting off the fuel source (the heat) helps the fire die down. If the fire is already large, skip this and go straight to smothering or using an extinguisher.
Step 2: Assess the Size of the Fire
Ask yourself: Is the fire small and contained, or is it large and spreading rapidly?
- Small and Contained: Proceed with the steps below for safe ways to put out a small kitchen fire.
- Large or Spreading: If the fire is bigger than a small wastebasket or is spreading to cabinets, do not try to fight it. Get everyone out, close the kitchen door if you can, and call emergency services (like 911). Your safety comes first.
Methods for Stopping a Stovetop Grease Fire
Smothering a stovetop fire is the safest method for grease fires. These fires need oxygen to burn. Taking the oxygen away stops the fire.
Using a Lid or Baking Sheet to Smother
This is the best way to deal with extinguishing grease fire situations on a stovetop.
- Find a Metal Lid or Baking Sheet: Make sure it is bigger than the pot or pan on fire. Do not use glass lids; they can shatter from the heat.
- Slide the Lid On: Carefully slide the lid over the burning pan. Do not drop it from above, as this can splash the hot grease. Slide it from the side closest to you.
- Leave It Alone: Once covered, turn off the burner if you haven’t already. Leave the lid on until the pot is completely cool. Removing it too soon can let oxygen back in, restarting the fire.
Using Baking Soda for Grease Fires
If the fire is very small and in a shallow pan, you can try baking soda for grease fires. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which helps smother the flames.
- Use Lots: You need a lot of baking soda—an entire box might be necessary for a small fire. Salt can also work, but baking soda is usually better.
- Pour, Don’t Throw: Gently pour the baking soda over the flames until they are completely covered.
- Warning: Baking powder or flour will NOT work. Flour can actually explode when exposed to fire. Only use baking soda or salt.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
If smothering fails or the fire starts to grow, you may need a fire extinguisher. Knowing how to use the right one is vital for using a fire extinguisher on kitchen fires.
Choosing the Right Extinguisher
You need an extinguisher rated for types of kitchen fires. Look for an ABC or K rating.
- ABC Extinguishers: These are common household extinguishers. They work on ordinary combustibles (A), flammable liquids (B), and electrical fires (C). They can sometimes put out small grease fires, but they create a huge, messy cleanup.
- Class K Extinguishers: These are specifically designed for deep fat fryers and commercial kitchens, but they are the absolute best choice for large grease fires if available.
The PASS Method for Extinguisher Use
If you decide to fight the fire, remember PASS:
- Pull the pin. This unlocks the operating lever.
- Aim the nozzle low, at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the spray from side to side until the fire is out.
Important Safety Note: Only fight a fire if it is small, you have a clear escape route behind you, and you have the right equipment. If in doubt, get out!
Stopping Oven Fires and Microwave Fires
Fires sometimes start inside appliances. Stopping oven fires and microwave fires requires different handling.
Microwave Fires
- Keep the Door Shut: Do not open the microwave door. Opening it lets in fresh air, which feeds the fire.
- Unplug or Shut Off Power: If you can safely reach the plug, unplug the unit. If not, turn off the circuit breaker for the kitchen.
- Wait: Let the fire burn itself out in the oxygen-starved environment. Once completely extinguished and cool, open the door carefully.
Oven Fires
Oven fires usually happen when food spills onto the heating element or when grease builds up.
- Turn Off Heat: Turn the oven off immediately.
- Keep Door Closed: Keep the oven door closed tightly. This cuts off oxygen supply.
- Watch Closely: Monitor the fire. If it does not go out quickly, evacuate and call for help. Do not open the door to check, as this feeds oxygen to the fire.
Essential Fire Safety Equipment for Kitchens
Prevention and readiness are your best tools. Having the right fire safety equipment for kitchens prepared makes a huge difference.
| Equipment Type | Best Use | Location Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke Detector | Early warning system | Near but not directly in the kitchen. Test monthly. |
| Fire Extinguisher (ABC or K) | Fighting small, contained fires | Mounted near the kitchen exit, not near the stove. |
| Fire Blanket | Smothering stovetop grease fires | Hung on a wall or drawer near the cooking area. |
| Metal Lid/Baking Sheet | Smothering stovetop grease fires | Kept near the stove for immediate access. |
Smoke Detectors
Make sure you have working smoke detectors near your kitchen. Test them monthly. Change the batteries at least once a year. A detector gives you precious seconds to react.
Fire Blankets
A fire blanket is another excellent tool for smothering a stovetop fire. You wrap the fire-resistant material around the flames, cutting off air. They are compact and very effective on pan fires.
Kitchen Fire Safety Tips for Prevention
The best way to stop a kitchen fire is to prevent it from starting. Following these kitchen fire safety tips drastically reduces risk.
Never Leave Cooking Unattended
Cooking is the number one cause of house fires. If you are frying, grilling, or broiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you must leave, even for a moment, turn off the stove.
Keep Flammables Away
Keep anything that can burn far away from your stove, oven, and toaster. This includes:
- Oven mitts and potholders
- Paper towels and napkins
- Plastic bags and food packaging
- Curtains or dish towels hanging near the heat
Maintain Cleanliness
A clean kitchen is a safer kitchen. Grease buildup is fuel for a fire.
- Clean your stovetop and range hood filters regularly. Built-up grease in the exhaust system can cause a dangerous chimney-like fire.
- Keep appliances clean. Crumbs in toasters or ovens can ignite.
Watch Heating Temperatures
Be very careful when heating oil. Oil smokes just before it ignites. If you see smoke, reduce the heat immediately or remove the pan from the burner. Never let oil get hot enough to smoke.
What To Do If Your Clothes Catch Fire
This is a terrifying scenario, but knowing the action saves lives.
If your clothing catches fire, remember the acronym STOP, DROP, AND ROLL.
- STOP: Do not run. Running fans the flames and makes the fire burn hotter and faster.
- DROP: Drop immediately to the floor or ground. Cover your face with your hands to protect your airways and eyes.
- ROLL: Roll over and over until the flames are put out. The rolling action smothers the fire by cutting off oxygen.
Once the fire is out, seek medical help for burns immediately.
Evacuation Protocol: When to Leave
There are times when fighting the fire is too dangerous. Knowing when to abandon the fight is crucial for overall safety. If you are ever in doubt, evacuate.
When to Evacuate Immediately:
- The fire is spreading outside the pan or container.
- Smoke is filling the room rapidly, making it hard to breathe or see.
- You do not have the correct tool (like a lid or extinguisher) ready.
- Your first attempt to put out the fire failed.
- You feel panic or confusion.
Safe Evacuation Procedure
- Yell “FIRE!”: Alert everyone in the house.
- Get Out: Leave immediately. Do not stop to gather possessions or pets.
- Close Doors: Close the kitchen door behind you as you leave. This slows the spread of smoke and fire to the rest of the house.
- Call for Help: Once you are safely outside, call the emergency services number from a neighbor’s house or a cell phone.
- Stay Out: Do not go back inside for any reason until the fire department says it is safe.
Comprehending Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
For your fire safety equipment for kitchens to work when you need it, you must maintain it.
- Check the Gauge: Most home extinguishers have a gauge. Ensure the needle is in the green zone, showing it is fully charged.
- Shake Monthly: Shake the extinguisher once a month to keep the powder settled correctly inside.
- Check Expiration: Extinguishers have an expiration date. Replace or recharge them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Having the right gear ready, like a proper extinguisher for using a fire extinguisher on kitchen fires, ensures you are prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use flour to stop a grease fire?
A: No. Flour is highly combustible and can cause a dust explosion if thrown onto a fire. Stick to baking soda for grease fires or a metal lid.
Q: What should I do if the fire alarm goes off while I am cooking?
A: First, check your cooking. If it is just smoke from burnt food, turn off the heat, open windows, and fan the air gently. If you see actual flames, treat it as a fire and follow the evacuation steps unless the fire is very small and contained.
Q: Is it safe to use a wet towel to put out a stove fire?
A: No. A wet towel will steam violently when hitting hot oil, potentially splashing burning grease everywhere. This is extremely dangerous and will spread the fire. Only use a dry lid or a fire blanket for smothering a stovetop fire.
Q: How often should I replace my smoke detector batteries?
A: Most experts recommend replacing batteries at least once a year, often when daylight savings time changes serve as a good reminder. Test the alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
Q: If I have a small fire, how long should I wait before calling 911?
A: You should only attempt to fight a fire if it is very small and you are completely safe. If the fire does not go out in the first few seconds of your attempt (using a lid or extinguisher), stop immediately, evacuate, and call 911 from outside. Seconds count.