How to prevent grease fires and what to do if they happen

In the kitchen, one small distraction can turn into a huge problem. And while many meals have been burned and pans ruined, few mishaps are as frightening or dangerous as a grease fire. But with a complete understanding of what grease fires are and how they happen, you can reduce the risks they pose in your home. In this article, we’ll cover exactly that – getting into tips for preventing grease fires as well as what to do if one occurs.

What is grease?

In the context of a kitchen fire, grease can be a few things. It may be residue left over from cooking fatty foods like bacon or butter, or it could simply be the cooking oil you’re using. Both are fatty, flammable materials that can fuel a fire at high enough temperatures.

How to prevent a grease fire

Paying attention and taking precautions can go a long way in preventing grease fires. Use the following tips to help make your kitchen a safer place.

Use appropriate cooking oil types

Don’t assume all cooking oils are the same. Different kinds of oil will begin to smoke or ignite at different temperatures, so choose your oil accordingly. For example, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than many other oils, which makes it less ideal for high-heat cooking. Peanut oil and avocado oil are more suitable for higher temperatures. [1]

Avoid overheating

Sometimes you choose the right oil for the recipe, but heat it higher than you intended to. Overheating oils past their smoke point may eventually cause them to catch fire. Monitor your heat carefully and be aware of your oil’s temperature limits. [2]

Don’t add water to a hot pan

Yes, water can contribute to fires. Water evaporates rapidly in a hot pan, kicking grease into the air and potentially starting or spreading fire. [2]

Only cook on clean appliances

No matter how tidy you are when you cook, grease will build up over time on stove tops and in ovens. This buildup can eventually serve as fuel for a fire if unchecked. If you regularly use any of your cooking appliances, be sure to clean them just as frequently. [2]

Monitor stove while using

Your attention is one of your most valuable fire safety tools. Watch your heat levels to ensure they aren’t rising too high and turn off heat sources if you notice any warning signs. [3]

How to put out a grease fire if it happens

So, how do you put out a grease fire? Grease fires do not behave exactly like other types of fire, but you can typically contain them by following the steps below.

Turn off your stove

Before you do anything else, you need to cut off the heat source. Turning off the stove immediately can help prevent a small fire from becoming a large one. [2]

Cut off oxygen

Fire needs oxygen to burn, meaning airflow is essential. You can cut off airflow by placing a lid, metal baking sheet or similar object over the pot or pan containing the fire. Do not use glass lids to do this, as high heat can potentially cause them to shatter. [2]

Douse the flames with salt or baking soda

You should never try to put out a grease fire with water. Fortunately, you have other options. Salt or baking soda can help smother a fire. [2]

If needed, use a fire extinguisher

A class F fire extinguisher may be needed. This classification of extinguisher contains chemicals specifically designed to combat grease fires. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep it back and forth. [2]

Protect your home with Homeowners Insurance

Accidents happen, even under careful supervision. While it’s important to understand how to stop a grease fire and how to help prevent one in the first place, sometimes circumstances are beyond your control. Be ready for the unexpected with a homeowners insurance policy you can count on. Homeowners insurance may help cover the cost of items destroyed by fire, including personal belongings and the structure of your home itself. So, take precautions, be vigilant and be ready with coverage you can trust if all else fails.