The Effects of Water on a Grease Fire

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

The definition of a Grease Fire is "The type of fire resulting from cooking oil or any other flammable cooking or lubricating materials."

In the event of a grease fire:

• Turn off the heat, but do not try to move the pot from the stove as the grease could splash on you or the kitchen surfaces.
• Put a lid on the pot or frying pan to cut off oxygen to the fire.
• If the fire is out of control, the most important thing to do is to call 911 and get everyone outside.
• Do NOT pour water on a grease fire. Water can cause the grease to splash onto yourself or kitchen surfaces and spread the flames.
• Do NOT fan the fire with a dry or wet cloth. This can also cause the grease to splash or fire to spread onto other surfaces.
• Do NOT use flour on a grease fire. While sometimes baking soda can extinguish a small grease fire (though not if the fire is too overwhelming), flour cannot and should not be used.
• Due to chemical risk of contaminating your kitchen, putting out a grease fire with your fire extinguisher should be the last resort.

How to prevent a grease fire:

• Stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the deep fryer or frying pan.
• Slowly heat the oil to your desired temperature.
• Turn off the burner if you suspect the grease is getting too hot.
• Place the food in the grease carefully to prevent hot grease splatter.

Q. What do you do after a grease fire occurs in you home?

A. Contact us at (336)744-5104