John Brewer on Household Safety: Grease Fires

While most of us cook safely every day, there are still many kitchen hazards that we should be aware of. Between 2012 and 2016, over 172,000 kitchen fires were reported in the US. Almost half of these incidents were caused by cooking with oil or grease, and they usually spread if the fire is not extinguished correctly.

When extinguishing a grease fire, using the wrong material can damage your home and cause injuries. Here are some essential steps that you should take to prevent a grease fire from happening.

Stopping a Grease Fire

When you’re frying your favorite food item, suddenly, you notice that smoke plumes are coming from the oil you’re using. You should immediately extinguish the fire by cutting off the oxygen flow in the pan.

Turn Off the Heat

The first thing you should do is turn off the stove’s heat source. Doing so will eliminate the possibility of starting a fire. However, keep in mind that moving the pan or pot to a cooler setting could cause the oil to splash and spread the flames.

Starve it of Oxygen

You should also cut off the oxygen flow to prevent the fire from spreading. This can be done by sliding a metal lid or sheet over the pan, which should be left on for a long time to ensure the fire doesn’t get out. Never use plastic or glass lids or sheets, as they can melt due to the high heat. Once the sheet or lid has been removed, slowly slide it away to make sure that the flames are gone.

One of the ways to remove oxygen from the pan is by pouring baking soda or salt over it. However, this method is best if you have enough of both solutions at hand. Remember that baking powder and flour can amplify the fire’s intensity.

Use a Fire Extinguisher

Although most people think of a fire extinguisher as their first response to a kitchen fire, it’s important to remember that different types of extinguishers can handle different types of fires. For instance, a class B extinguisher can fight a fire caused by oil or grease.

Although a class B extinguisher can handle a fire that’s caused by oil or grease, it’s essential to use it from a safe distance. The high pressure of the extinguisher can cause the flames to spread if you’re too close.

Call 911 and Evacuate

If the fire’s not under control, you should immediately contact the local fire department or 911. Since a grease fire can take only a few minutes to spread, it’s crucial to get in touch with emergency services as soon as possible. Fortunately, most kitchen fires can be stopped by following these simple steps.

Why Doesn’t Water Work?

When faced with a grease fire, the first impulse is to try putting out the flames using water. Unfortunately, this method can be hazardous as the water and oil don’t share the same density.

When the oil molecules are attached to the water molecules, the steam can carry the fire to other surfaces, igniting the fire in nearby areas. This can lead to costly smoke damage and lengthy fire and damage restoration procedures.

Never, ever pour water on an oil or grease fire. You should immediately call the fire department even if you have nothing else to use.

Preventing Grease Fires

Although it’s frightening to think about the potential hazards of cooking oil and grease fires, simple steps can prevent them from happening.

Use the Right Oil

The smoke point of cooking oil is the temperature at which it can safely be heated. When frying, use oil with a high smoke point. Also, use a cooking thermometer to ensure you stay below it.

Don’t Put Water in the Pan

Before frying, ensure all your food is thoroughly dried and defrosted. Avoid putting frozen food in hot oil.

Don’t Leave Your Stove Unattended

Almost half of kitchen fires start due to an unattended stove. Since it only takes a few seconds for a pan or pot to get overheated, people must focus on their cooking.

Have a Fire Extinguishing Method Nearby

When using oil or grease, you should always have at least one emergency tool, such as a fire extinguisher, a cooking sheet, or a large salt container.

These tips can help prevent a grease fire from starting.

Knowing the proper way to extinguish a grease fire can also help you and your family avoid getting injured or destroying your home.

Originally published at https://johnbrewerlaw.org on January 31, 2023.