5 Steps for Extinguishing a Grease Fire

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

No one plans to have a grease fire in the kitchen, but when oils from cooking build up, fire is more likely to occur. What you can plan is how to put out the fire once it has started. It is also important to know your limits and when to involve emergency services. If a fire breaks out on the stove in your home in KC, MO, here are some steps to help minimize the damage.

1. Contain the Flames.

A metal lid or cookie sheet is a great tool for suffocating a fire. The lid can be especially helpful, as it is more likely to be able to cut off more of the oxygen feeding the fire.

2. Turn off Heat.

The faster you can get the burner cool, the better. If you can safely get to the knob on the stove to turn it off, you should do so.

3. Smother the Fire.

If the fire is small, use baking soda or salt to put out the flames. Never douse a grease fire with water; it will only antagonize it!

4. Recognize Limits.

If the fire is still going strong after the first three steps, call emergency services as you are leaving the house. Don't try to fight a fire that is too big on your own, and don't stay in the house with the fire. Get to safety and call in the experts.

5. Repair Damage.

No matter how small the fire is, it likely left some damage behind. Fire restoration specialists can assess the damage and restore your kitchen and any affected surrounding area to be like new again. Let them take the lead on the fire cleanup.

A grease fire may start small, but it can become big in a hurry. If you are not able to extinguish it immediately, it is best to call professional firefighters to do the job.