How To Put Out a Grease Fire

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

If a grease fire breaks out in your kitchen, it is important to know how to put it out. Grease fires burn very hot and can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Here are four steps to suppress this type of fire.

1. Turn Off the Heat Source

Try to turn off the burner or element in order to stop the flow of heat. Do not attempt to move the pan or anything else that is on fire, as motion will intensify the fire.

2. Limit the Supply of Oxygen

A fire cannot thrive without air for fuel. Cover a pot with a metal lid, cookie sheet, or another pot. If the fire has already spread, move on to suppression and call the fire department.

3. Suppress the Fire

Use a Class K fire extinguisher containing suppressant formulated for putting out fires fueled by cooking grease. If you don't have this type of extinguisher, dump baking soda and salt on the fire. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide to smother a minor fire as salt draws heat out of the grease to limit its ability to support combustion. If the grease fire is burning too intensely, convection will draw in oxygen and resist smothering and heat-containing effects. Close the doors to the room if you need to evacuate.

4. Make Sure the Fire Is Out

Even if it seems like a fire is out, it may re-ignite. Keep an eye on the area for signs of smoke or flame. Depending on the size of the fire, you may want to have firefighters confirm that the fire is completely extinguished.

You can commence fire cleanup after you are sure that a grease fire is out. If your kitchen has sustained extensive damage, rely on the expertise of residential fire mitigation and restoration specialists located in Henderson, CO.