Fire and smoke guide
How to Put Out a Grease Fire Safely
How to put out a small grease fire: cover the pan, turn off the burner, never use water, handle oven fires safely, and know when to leave.
Short answer
Short answer: How to Put Out a Grease Fire Safely
For a small grease fire in a pan, slide a lid or cookie sheet over the pan to smother it, turn off the burner, and leave the lid on until the pan has cooled. Never pour water on a grease fire, because it can make burning oil splatter and spread the fire. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If the fire is not small and contained, get everyone out, close the door behind you and call 911.
- Call (772) 218-9226
- Smoke & Soot Cleanup
- Smoke Odor Removal
- Fire Damage Restoration
In this guide
- 1Small pan fire: do this
- 2Never do this
- 3Oven and microwave fires
- 4Fire extinguishers
- 5When to get out
- 6Prevent grease fires
- 7Cleaning up after a kitchen fire
Small pan fire: do this
Fire safety organizations such as NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration give the same basic steps.
- Slide a lid or a flat baking sheet over the pan to cut off oxygen.
- Turn off the burner.
- Do not move the pan.
- Leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool so the fire cannot reignite.
- If it does not go out immediately, leave and call 911.
Never do this
- Never pour water on a grease fire: water can make burning oil erupt and spread the fire.
- Do not carry a burning pan outside or to the sink.
- Do not use flour or other powders; some can make the fire worse.
- Do not swat at the fire with a towel or apron.
- Do not open the oven door on an oven fire.
Oven and microwave fires
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed until the fire is out. For a microwave fire, turn the microwave off, keep the door closed and unplug it if you can do so safely. Have the appliance checked before using it again.
Fire extinguishers
Use a portable fire extinguisher only if you know how, the fire is small, everyone else is out and you have a clear way out. Class K extinguishers are designed for cooking oil and fat fires, mostly in commercial kitchens; many homes keep a multipurpose ABC extinguisher instead. Read the label and the manufacturer's instructions before you ever need it.
Dealing with this right now?
Call to be connected with an independent restoration company serving Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.
When to get out
Leave immediately and call 911 from outside if the fire spreads beyond the pan, if it reaches cabinets or the range hood, if the room fills with smoke, or if you are not sure you can put it out. Close the door behind you to slow the fire. Do not go back in.
Prevent grease fires
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling; unattended cooking is a major factor in cooking fires.
- Heat oil slowly and watch for smoking, a sign it is getting too hot.
- Keep a lid next to the pan while cooking.
- Keep towels, paper and packaging away from the stovetop.
- Clean grease buildup from the stove, hood and filters.
- Turn pot handles inward and keep children away from the stove.
Cleaning up after a kitchen fire
Even a small fire leaves greasy, sticky soot on cabinets, walls and ceilings, and smoke odor can spread through the home. Protein and grease residue is particularly hard to remove and can set into surfaces. Throw away food exposed to smoke or heat, have the range and hood checked, and call a fire restoration company for soot and odor if the residue goes beyond a light wipe-down.
Related services
Services that go with this guide
Smoke and Soot Cleanup
How smoke and soot are cleaned after a Fort Pierce fire: dry vs.
Smoke Odor Removal
How smoke smell is removed after a Fort Pierce fire: source removal, cleaning, sealing, HVAC, thermal fogging and hydroxyl or ozone, with safety limits..
Fire Damage Restoration
Fire damage restoration across St.
Guides
Keep reading
- What to Do After a House FireWhat to do after a house fire in St. Lucie County: safe reentry, the fire report, insurance, securing the home, discarding food and smoke cleanup.
- How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company in Fort PierceA checklist for hiring a water damage restoration company in Fort Pierce: licenses to verify, certifications, insurance, contracts and red flags.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Still unsure? Describe the problem on the phone and you will be connected with a restoration company serving your area.
How do you put out a grease fire?
Slide a lid over the pan, turn off the burner and leave the lid on until the pan is cool.
Why can't you put water on a grease fire?
Water can make burning oil erupt and splatter, spreading the fire and causing burns.
Can baking soda put out a grease fire?
Some fire departments mention it for very small fires, but covering with a lid is the main recommended method. Never use flour.
What do I do if my oven catches fire?
Turn off the heat and keep the door closed until the fire is out.
What extinguisher is used for grease fires?
Class K extinguishers are designed for cooking oil fires. Many homes have a multipurpose ABC extinguisher; read its label.
Should I carry a burning pan outside?
No. Moving it can spill burning oil and spread the fire.
When should I call 911 for a kitchen fire?
If the fire is not small and contained, spreads, or you are unsure. Get out first, then call.
What causes most grease fires?
Oil overheating, often while cooking is left unattended.
How hot does oil get before it catches fire?
It depends on the oil. Smoking is a warning sign that oil is getting too hot.
Can a wet towel put out a grease fire?
Fire safety guidance recommends a lid or baking sheet instead. Do not swat at the fire.
What do I do after a small grease fire?
Let the pan cool, ventilate, discard affected food and check for soot on cabinets and walls.
How do I clean grease smoke off cabinets?
Light residue can be cleaned with a degreasing cleaner. Heavy soot and odor need professional cleaning.
Does insurance cover kitchen fire damage?
Fire damage is commonly covered by homeowners policies. Check your policy and report it promptly.
How do I prevent grease fires?
Stay in the kitchen while frying, heat oil slowly, keep a lid nearby and clean grease buildup.
Who cleans kitchen fire damage in Fort Pierce?
Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent restoration company serving Fort Pierce.
Talk to a restoration company serving Fort Pierce
Free referral. No obligation to hire.