Grease Fire Prevention and What to Do If One Occurs

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

With monsoon season upon us, some find it far too difficult to cook outdoors between the heat, rain, and high winds. Since summer is still high season for parties and get-togethers, that means more time in the kitchen. Grease fires can be particularly challenging as people are unsure to how to prevent them and what to do if they occur. Be sure to stay safe and avoid kitchen fires with these safety tips.

How to prevent a grease fire

Here are a few helpful tips to prevent experiencing a grease fire in your kitchen.

1. Keep any objects that could potentially catch on fire away from the stove or cooking area. That includes cookbooks, towels, paper towels, etc. These type of items can instantly fuel a grease fire. 
2. Avoid wearing loose, flowing clothes that could get too near the flames, such as sleeves.
3. Keep your eye on a hot pan that’s cooking; leaving it unattended even for a short period of time can result in fire.
4. Heat oil gradually and add food slowly to minimize grease splatter, which can burn skin or catch fire. Remove as much moisture as possible from food before submerging it in grease to avoid splattering.
5. Smoking grease is dangerous, as the flash point of a grease fire is 500 degrees so use great caution when it starts to smoke. If grease starts smoking, turn the heat down immediately. Not only will this prevent a fire, smoking grease is not ideal for cooking. Turn those flames down!

How To Put Out a Grease Fire

Sometimes no matter what you’ve done to avoid a grease fire, they happen regardless. Many people are unsure how to put out a fire; the wrong move can exacerbate the situation, so know what to do if you experience a flare up.

1. Equip your kitchen with a Class B of K fire extinguisher.
2. If your pan does catch fire, smother it placing a lid on top of the pan. Never throw water on the fire or run it to the sink or outside as this will result in worsening the flames and potentially causing burns.
3. Turn off the heat source immediately. 
4. If the fire is small and manageable, smother it with baking soda or salt, though still use a lid to be sure the flames are out and to protect you from splattering grease.
5. If necessary, spray the fire with a fire extinguisher that’s suited for oil fires (Class B or K).
6. Do not try to extinguish the fire with any cooking powders (flours, baking powder, etc.) or water as these won’t help extinguish the flames and could make it worse.
7. Do not try to move the burning pot or pan outside. 
8. Call a fire remediation specialist to help with any damage you experience.

Call SERVPRO for fire damage assistance

If your home experiences a fire of any kind, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix to help with your fire remediation needs. We’re available 24/7 to help you with fire damage cleanup. Contact us at 602-386-4268.