Grease fires are among the most dangerous and fast-spreading kitchen hazards. They occur when cooking oil or grease overheats and ignites, posing a significant risk of severe burns and property damage. Unlike regular fires, grease fires cannot be extinguished with water, making them particularly hazardous for those unaware of the correct safety procedures.
This article will cover everything you need to know about grease fires—what causes them, how to prevent them, and, most importantly, how to put them out safely.
What is a Grease Fire?
A grease fire occurs when cooking oil, fat, or grease becomes too hot and catches fire. Unlike fires fueled by paper or wood, grease fires burn at extremely high temperatures and can spread quickly if not controlled properly.
Causes of Grease Fires
- Overheated Cooking Oil: Oils have a smoke point (temperature at which they start to smoke) and a flashpoint (temperature at which they ignite). When oil is heated past its flashpoint, it can spontaneously ignite.
- Leaving Cooking Unattended: Walking away from a pan of hot oil increases the risk of a grease fire starting and going unnoticed.
- Grease Build-Up on Stovetops or Ovens: Old grease and oil residues can ignite when exposed to high heat.
- Improper Deep Frying: Overfilling a fryer or using oil at excessively high temperatures can cause spontaneous ignition.
- Water or Moisture Contact: Dropping water or frozen food into hot oil can cause violent splattering, which may lead to ignition.
How to Safely Put Out a Grease Fire
Grease fires are one of the most dangerous types of kitchen fires. They occur when cooking oil or grease overheats and ignites, often spreading rapidly if not handled properly. The biggest mistake people make when encountering a grease fire is trying to extinguish it with water.
Why You Should NEVER Use Water on a Grease Fire?
Water and hot oil do not mix. Pouring water on a grease fire will cause:
- An explosive reaction, sending burning oil in all directions.
- The fire to spread faster and become uncontrollable.
- A significant risk of burns and property damage.
Instead, follow these proven safety methods to effectively and safely put out a grease fire.
1. Turn Off the Heat Immediately
The first and most important step in handling a grease fire is cutting off the heat source.
- Why? If the burner remains on, the oil will continue heating and fueling the flames, making it harder to extinguish the fire.
- How to do it safely: If possible, turn off the stove or burner immediately using the controls.
- What to avoid: Do not attempt to move the pan, as spilling burning oil can cause the fire to spread.
✅ Pro tip: Always stay in the kitchen when cooking with oil to prevent overheating and accidental fires.
2. Cover the Fire with a Metal Lid or Baking Sheet
If safe to do so, carefully place a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan.
- Why? Fire needs oxygen to burn. Covering the flames smothers the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply.
- How to do it safely: Use a metal lid, baking sheet, or any flat metal object large enough to fully cover the pan.
What to avoid:
- DO NOT use glass lids – they can shatter due to heat.
- DO NOT use plastic covers – they will melt and worsen the situation.
✅ Pro tip: Keep a properly fitting lid near your cooking area to quickly respond to a potential grease fire.
3. Use Baking Soda or Salt (Not Flour or Sugar!)
For small grease fires, baking soda or salt can be used to smother the flames.
Why?
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) releases carbon dioxide when heated, helping to suffocate the fire.
- Salt absorbs heat and can help cool the burning oil, reducing flames.
How to do it safely:
- Grab a large amount of baking soda or salt and carefully sprinkle it over the flames.
- Ensure you use enough to cover the fire completely.
What to avoid:
- DO NOT use flour, sugar, or baking powder – they are combustible and can make the fire worse.
- DO NOT throw baking soda from too high – it may cause splattering and spread the fire.
✅ Pro tip: Keep a box of baking soda or salt easily accessible in your kitchen for emergencies.
4. Use a Class K or Class B Fire Extinguisher 🧯🔥
For larger grease fires, a fire extinguisher is the best tool for putting out the flames.
Which fire extinguisher should you use?
- Class K Fire Extinguishers – Specifically designed for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and grease.
- Class B Fire Extinguishers – Designed for flammable liquids, including grease and oil fires.
How to use it safely: Follow the PASS method:
- Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames).
- Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep the nozzle side to side to cover the fire completely.
What to avoid:
- DO NOT use a Class A (water-based) extinguisher, as it can worsen the fire.
✅ Pro tip: Ensure you have a Class K or Class B extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it before an emergency arises.
5. Evacuate and Call 911 if Necessary 🚨🏃
If the fire is too large to control, prioritize your safety and evacuate immediately.
Why? If the fire spreads beyond the pan, it can quickly engulf the kitchen and home.
What to do:
- Evacuate everyone from the home – don’t risk injury by staying too long.
- Close the kitchen door behind you to help slow the fire’s spread.
- Call 911 immediately and wait for emergency responders to arrive.
What to avoid: DO NOT attempt to fight a fire that is growing rapidly – it can become uncontrollable within seconds.
✅ Pro tip: Have an emergency fire plan in place and practice it with your household.
Summary: The 5 Essential Steps to Put Out a Grease Fire Safely
| ✅ Step | ⚠️ What to Do | ❌ What NOT to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Turn Off the Heat | Shut off the burner immediately. | Do not move the burning pan. |
| 2. Cover the Fire | Use a metal lid or baking sheet to smother the flames. | Avoid using glass or plastic lids. |
| 3. Use Baking Soda or Salt | Sprinkle baking soda or salt over the fire. | Never use flour, sugar, or baking powder. |
| 4. Use a Fire Extinguisher | Use a Class K or Class B extinguisher, aiming at the base of the fire. | Do not use a water-based extinguisher. |
| 5. Evacuate & Call 911 | If the fire spreads, evacuate and call emergency services. | Never try to fight a growing fire on your own. |
What NOT to Do in a Grease Fire
When faced with a grease fire, acting correctly can mean the difference between a minor incident and a full-blown disaster. Unfortunately, many people instinctively react in ways that make the situation worse. Here are the key mistakes to avoid when handling a grease fire.
Never Use Water to Extinguish a Grease Fire
One of the most dangerous mistakes is attempting to put out a grease fire with water. Pouring water onto burning oil causes an explosive reaction, scattering the flames and spreading the fire rapidly. Water sinks beneath the oil, instantly turning into steam due to the extreme heat. This steam explosion sends hot oil and flames outward, increasing the fire’s intensity and causing severe burns.
If a grease fire breaks out, resist the urge to reach for the faucet or a glass of water. Instead, use proper fire suppression methods like smothering the fire with a metal lid or using a Class K or B fire extinguisher.
Do Not Move the Burning Pan
A common mistake is attempting to move the pan or skillet outside or to the sink to contain the fire. Moving a pan full of burning oil significantly increases the risk of spilling the flaming contents. If the oil spills, it can ignite nearby objects, including dish towels, curtains, wooden cabinets, and even clothing.
Instead of trying to relocate the fire, turn off the heat immediately and use a lid or baking sheet to smother the flames. If the fire continues to grow, evacuate the area and call emergency services.
Do Not Use a Wet Cloth or Towel
Some people believe that placing a wet towel over a grease fire will suffocate the flames. However, this method is highly dangerous. The extreme heat of the burning oil quickly converts the moisture in the towel to steam, which can create a sudden burst of flames or push the fire to surrounding surfaces. Additionally, the fire may still get oxygen from open gaps in the fabric, making this method ineffective.
Instead of using a wet cloth, opt for a metal lid, baking soda, or a fire extinguisher specifically designed for grease fires.
Do Not Use Flour, Sugar, or Baking Powder
A common myth suggests that throwing common kitchen ingredients like flour or sugar onto a grease fire will help extinguish it. This is incorrect and extremely hazardous.
- Flour and sugar are highly combustible and can cause a small fire to explode into a massive flame.
- Baking powder is not the same as baking soda—it contains additional ingredients that may burn rather than extinguish the fire.
If you need a powder-based fire suppression method, only use baking soda or salt, as these materials can help smother the fire by cutting off oxygen and absorbing heat.
Do Not Use a Standard Fire Extinguisher (Class A or C)
Not all fire extinguishers are suitable for grease fires. Using the wrong type can make the situation worse.
- Class A extinguishers, designed for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, are ineffective against grease fires and may not properly suppress the flames.
- Class C extinguishers, meant for electrical fires, do not contain the right substances to put out burning oil.
- Many household fire extinguishers contain water or foam, which can react violently with the grease fire.
Only use a Class K fire extinguisher, specifically designed for kitchen fires, or a Class B extinguisher, meant for flammable liquids. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames and sweep side to side for effective suppression.
Do Not Panic or Delay Action
In any fire emergency, hesitation or panic can worsen the situation. The longer a grease fire burns, the harder it becomes to contain. If you freeze or act without thinking, the flames may grow out of control.
The best way to prevent panic is to be prepared. If you regularly cook with oil, make sure you have a clear plan for handling a grease fire, keep the right safety tools nearby, and educate your household on fire safety procedures.
A grease fire can escalate within seconds, making proper action crucial. Avoiding common mistakes and following the right fire suppression techniques can prevent injury, property damage, and life-threatening situations.
How to Prevent Grease Fires
Grease fires are one of the most common and dangerous kitchen hazards. While knowing how to put out a grease fire is essential, the best approach is preventing it from happening in the first place. By following simple safety measures while cooking, you can significantly reduce the risk of an oil fire in your kitchen.
1. Never Leave Cooking Oil Unattended
One of the leading causes of grease fires is leaving hot oil unattended. Cooking oil heats up quickly, and if it reaches its smoke point (the temperature at which oil starts to break down and smoke), it can ignite within seconds.
How to Prevent This:
- Stay in the kitchen while frying, deep-frying, or cooking with oil.
- If you must leave, turn off the burner and remove the pan from heat.
- Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself when food is cooking.
Many grease fires start when people leave the stove “just for a minute” and get distracted. Avoid walking away when oil is heating.
2. Monitor Oil Temperature and Use a Thermometer
Every type of cooking oil has a smoke point and a flashpoint (the temperature at which it catches fire). If oil is heated beyond its flashpoint, it can ignite on its own.
How to Prevent This:
- Use a thermometer when deep-frying to ensure oil does not overheat.
- Know the smoke point of the oil you’re using and keep it well below that temperature.
- If oil starts to smoke, remove it from heat immediately.
Here are the approximate smoke points for common cooking oils:
| Cooking Oil | Smoke Point (°F) |
|---|---|
| Canola Oil | 400°F |
| Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) | 375°F |
| Vegetable Oil | 400°F – 450°F |
| Avocado Oil | 520°F |
| Butter | 350°F |
If you see smoke rising from the pan, it’s a sign the oil is too hot and should be removed from heat immediately.
3. Keep Flammable Items Away from the Stove
Kitchen fires often spread due to flammable objects being too close to the stove. A small grease fire can turn into a large house fire if flames reach nearby materials.
How to Prevent This:
- Keep dish towels, paper towels, napkins, and pot holders away from the stovetop.
- Do not place wooden utensils near burners.
- Ensure curtains or hanging fabrics are far from the cooking area.
- Store aerosol cans (like cooking sprays) away from heat sources.
A simple rule: If it can burn, keep it far from the stove.
4. Clean Your Cooking Area Regularly
Grease buildup on stovetops, ovens, and range hoods is a hidden fire hazard. Over time, layers of grease become highly flammable and can ignite when exposed to heat.
How to Prevent This:
- Wipe down your stove and surrounding surfaces regularly to remove grease residue.
- Clean range hoods, vents, and filters to prevent grease accumulation.
- Deep-clean the inside of your oven and fryer periodically.
- Dispose of used cooking oil safely instead of letting it collect in pans or drains.
A clean kitchen is a safer kitchen. Keeping your stove and oven grease-free minimizes fire risks.
5. Use the Right Amount of Oil and Fry Safely
Using too much oil, especially in deep-frying, increases the risk of grease fires. Overfilling a pan or fryer can lead to dangerous oil spills that ignite upon contact with a hot burner.
How to Prevent This:
- Never overfill frying pans or deep fryers with oil. Use only the amount needed to submerge food without overflowing.
- When deep-frying, slowly lower food into the oil to prevent splashing.
- Dry foods before placing them in hot oil to avoid moisture-related flare-ups.
Spilled oil can catch fire instantly, so controlling the amount you use is crucial.
6. Keep a Lid and Fire Extinguisher Nearby
Even if you follow every precaution, accidents can still happen. The best way to prevent a small fire from turning into a disaster is by being prepared to put it out immediately.
How to Prevent This:
- Keep a metal lid or baking sheet within reach to quickly smother a fire if it starts.
- Have a Class K or Class B fire extinguisher in the kitchen for emergencies.
- Know how to use a fire extinguisher properly using the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
- Keep baking soda or salt on hand to extinguish small grease fires.
Preparation is key. A well-equipped kitchen can stop a small grease fire before it spreads.
7. Educate Everyone in Your Household
If multiple people cook in your home, ensure they understand grease fire safety. Many fires are caused by simple mistakes or a lack of knowledge.
How to Prevent This:
- Teach family members and roommates never to use water on a grease fire.
- Explain the importance of staying in the kitchen while cooking with oil.
- Demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher and what to do if a fire starts.
- Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 in case of an emergency.
Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. The more people are informed, the safer your home will be.
8. Be Extra Cautious with Gas Stoves
Gas stoves pose a higher fire risk than electric stoves because open flames can ignite oil faster.
How to Prevent This:
- Ensure burners are fully turned off after cooking.
- Check for gas leaks or unusual odors. If you smell gas, turn off the main valve and ventilate the area.
- Keep pot handles turned inward to avoid accidentally knocking over a pan of hot oil.
For gas stoves, extra awareness and caution are necessary to prevent fires.
Preventing grease fires is all about awareness, preparation, and safe cooking practices. By following these essential steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a kitchen fire:
- Never leave oil unattended on the stove.
- Monitor oil temperature and avoid overheating.
- Keep flammable items away from the stove.
- Clean grease buildup from your stove, oven, and range hood.
- Use the right amount of oil and fry safely.
- Keep a metal lid, baking soda, and a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Educate everyone in your household on fire safety.
- Be extra careful when using gas stoves.
By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your home and family safe from the dangers of grease fires. Prevention is always the best solution, so practice smart and safe cooking habits every day.
Conclusion
Grease fires are extremely dangerous, but knowing how to react can mean the difference between a minor incident and a devastating house fire. Remember:
- Turn off the heat immediately
- Smother the fire with a metal lid
- Use baking soda or salt (not flour or sugar)
- Use a Class K or B fire extinguisher
- Evacuate and call 911 if needed
Preventing grease fires starts with safe cooking habits and preparedness. By following these steps, you can protect yourself, your family, and your home from this common but preventable kitchen disaster.
