How to Put Out a Grease Fire

A fire needs 3 things to burn. Heat, Oxygen, Fuel.

A fire will keep growing until one of those is removed.

Safest Way How to put out a grease fire

If a grease fire is burning in a pan:

Do Not Panic! You can do this…

REMOVE THE OXYGEN

Here’s how…



1. Put on Oven Mitts to protect your hands.

2a. Slide the pan’s lid across the top to smother the flames.

2b. Or, use a cookie sheet and Slide it over the top of the burning pan.

3. Shut off the burner to stop adding heat.

4. Leave the pan alone and don’t remove the lid until it has cooled completely.

Other ways How to put out a grease fire

Grease Fire Extinguisher

Use a class B or BC or ABC Fire Extinguisher.

Like this one, light weight and convenient for the kitchen:

First Alert Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Spray





This ABC fire extinguisher is the classic and most popular on the market:

Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher

Note: A Fire Extinguisher may release more pressure than you realize. So start at a distance away and move towards the fire, rather than up-close spraying directly on to the burning grease which could tip the pan and spread the fire.

Fire Blanket

A purpose designed 3×3 foot fire blanket. I wrote about the fire blanket ( here ).

Fire Blanket, 36 x 36-inch

Baking Soda

Carefully pour a good amount of baking soda onto the grease fire.

Damp Towel

Soak a towel under the faucet, wring out the excess dripping water, and drape over the burning grease pan to smother it. (This is very effective, quick and easy!)

Be sure the towel is not dripping wet! Only damp.

Pouring water on a grease fire will cause it to roar in flames!





Things NOT TO DO with a grease fire

DO NOT move or carry the pan outside, it will fan the flames and risk spreading.

DO NOT douse the grease fire with water, or milk, etc…

If you do, it will explode into a fireball.

DO NOT throw flour on to a grease fire because flour is combustible.

NBC TODAY Show: Kitchen Fire Safety



Example of water on a grease fire, Extinguished by using a wet towel





YOU DO HAVE A SMOKE ALARM, RIGHT?

More: Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm, and Why They Are The Best

More: Caution: Smoke Detectors Have A Shelf Life

More: Fire Extinguisher for a Kitchen Fire



( This article has been updated to reflect current products & procedures )