Don't Panic: How To Extinguish A Kitchen Fire Expert Tips

How To Extinguish A Kitchen Fire
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Don’t Panic: How To Extinguish A Kitchen Fire Expert Tips

What should you do first if a kitchen fire starts? If a kitchen fire starts, the very first thing to do is stay calm. Don’t panic. Clear thinking is your best tool. Then, quickly figure out what is burning and if you can put it out safely yourself. If the fire is small and you know exactly what type it is, you might be able to stop it. But if it’s growing fast, you’re not sure what’s burning, or you feel unsafe, get everyone out of the home right away and call 911. Knowing the right steps is key to staying safe. This guide will show you how to handle different kitchen fires and prevent them from happening.

Spotting Different Fire Types

Not all kitchen fires are the same. How you fight a fire depends on what is burning. Using the wrong method can make things much worse. It is important to know the most common types of kitchen fires. This helps you pick the right way to put them out.

About Grease Fires

Grease fires are very common in the kitchen. They start when oil or fat gets too hot and catches fire. This often happens on the stovetop when frying or deep-frying food. Grease fires can grow quickly. They produce thick smoke. They are also very dangerous if you try to put them out the wrong way. Knowing how to handle a grease fire is critical for anyone who cooks.

What Are Oven Fires?

Oven fires often start when food spills or drips onto the heating element or the bottom of the oven. This could be grease, cheese, or other food bits. The high heat of the oven bakes this food residue until it catches fire. Oven fires usually stay inside the oven. This can make them seem less scary, but they still produce a lot of smoke and can cause damage.

Grasping Electrical Fires in the Kitchen

Electrical fire kitchen fires can start from faulty wiring, damaged appliance cords, or overloaded outlets. These fires can happen inside walls, within appliances, or at the outlet itself. Electrical fires are very tricky because water conducts electricity. Using water to put out an electrical fire can cause electric shock. You need a special way to handle these fires.

Other Kitchen Fires

Besides grease, oven, and electrical fires, other things can catch fire in the kitchen. This includes towels left near the stove, paper products, curtains, or even food itself (like toast in a toaster or food in a microwave). These are often called ‘ordinary combustible’ fires.

Fighting a Grease Fire

Grease fires need a very specific approach. Your first thought might be to grab water, but that is the absolute worst thing you can do.

The BIG Rule: Never Use Water

This is the most important rule for grease fires: Never use water on grease fire. Why? Water is heavier than oil. If you throw water on burning grease, the water sinks below the oil. When the water hits the hot pan or oil, it instantly turns into steam. This steam expands very quickly. It carries the burning grease out of the pan and spreads the fire everywhere. This turns a small pan fire into a large, dangerous blaze very fast. Remember this key rule.

How to Smother a Grease Fire

Smothering a fire means cutting off its oxygen. Fire needs oxygen to burn. If you can cover a grease fire, you can stop it. This is often the best first step for small grease fires.

Use a Metal Lid: If the fire is in a pan on the stovetop, the fastest way to smother fire is to carefully slide a metal lid over the pan. Use a lid that fits well. Do NOT use a glass lid, as it might break from the heat. Be careful not to tilt the pan or spill the burning grease while doing this.
Turn Off the Heat: As soon as possible, turn off the burner or heat source. This stops feeding the fire.
Leave it Covered: Do not remove the lid until the pan is completely cool. This can take a long time. Removing the lid too soon lets oxygen back in, and the fire could start again.

Using Baking Soda

For a very, very small grease fire in a pan, like just starting, you might be able to use a large amount of baking soda for fire. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. When heated, it releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide helps push oxygen away from the fire.

It Must Be Small: This only works on tiny fires. If the flames are getting tall or spreading, baking soda will not work.
Use A LOT: You need a large box of baking soda, not just a sprinkle. You need to completely cover the flames to smother them.
Pour Carefully: Pour the baking soda directly onto the flames. Do not throw it, as this can splash the burning grease.
Limitations: Baking soda is messy and often not effective enough for anything more than the smallest flare-ups. It is not a reliable way to fight most kitchen fires. It’s better to use a lid or a fire blanket if possible.

The Fire Blanket

A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant material, often kept in a quick-release pouch. It’s designed to be thrown over a small fire to smother it.

How it Works: You open the pouch, pull out the blanket, and carefully place it over the flames. Hold it by the corner loops to protect your hands. Lay it gently over the fire, covering the burning item and the area around it completely.
When to Use: A fire blanket is great for stovetop pan fires (including grease fires) or if someone’s clothing catches fire.
Keep it There: Leave the blanket in place until everything is cool.
Location: Keep a fire blanket in or near the kitchen, but not right next to the stove where you might not be able to reach it during a fire.

Using a Kitchen Fire Extinguisher

A kitchen fire extinguisher is a useful tool, but you must have the right type and know how to use it. Not all extinguishers are suitable for every fire type.

Choosing the Right One: For general home use, an ABC-rated extinguisher is common. It works on A (wood, paper), B (liquids like grease, oil), and C (electrical) fires. However, for large grease fires, especially in commercial kitchens, a Class K extinguisher is specifically designed for cooking oils and fats. For home kitchens, an ABC might be your main tool, but understand its limits on large grease fires compared to a Class K. Some home extinguishers are now rated K, or have specific kitchen ratings. Check the label!
How to Use (PASS): Remember the word PASS to use an extinguisher:
- Pull the pin. This breaks the seal.
- Aim low. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.
- Squeeze the handle. Release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep side to side. Move the nozzle across the base of the fire until it goes out.
Step Back: Stand several feet away from the fire when using the extinguisher.
If it Doesn’t Work: If the fire doesn’t go out quickly, the extinguisher is empty, or the fire gets bigger, drop the extinguisher and leave.

Dealing with Other Kitchen Fires

Different fires need different actions. Here’s how to handle other common types.

Oven Fires

If you see flames inside your oven:

Turn It Off: Turn off the oven immediately. Turn off the power switch if you know where it is safe to do so.
Keep the Door Shut: Do NOT open the oven door. Opening the door lets oxygen rush in, which will make the fire bigger. Keep it closed to smother the fire.
Watch It: Stay near the oven and watch. The fire should go out on its own once the heat is off and the door is closed.
Smoke: There will likely be a lot of smoke. Open windows if you can safely, but make sure you can still watch the oven. If smoke fills the house, get everyone out.
If It Doesn’t Stop: If the fire does not go out quickly, or if smoke is filling your home, get everyone out and call 911.
Clean Later: Once the oven is cool, you’ll need to clean out the burned mess to prevent future fires. Run the self-cleaning cycle after the oven has cooled down completely and has been aired out.

Microwave Fires

Fires in the microwave can happen from cooking food too long, using metal inside, or built-up food residue.

Turn It Off and Unplug: As soon as you see a fire, stop the microwave. Unplug it from the wall if it’s safe to do so.
Keep the Door Shut: Like with the oven, do NOT open the microwave door. Keep it closed to smother the fire.
Watch It: Stay near the microwave and watch the fire. It should go out once the power is off and the door is closed.
If It Doesn’t Stop: If the fire keeps burning or smoke is coming from the microwave, get everyone out and call 911.
Do Not Use Again: Once it’s cool and the fire is out, do not use the microwave again until a repair person checks it.

Grasping Electrical Fires

Fires involving electrical outlets, cords, or appliances are serious.

Cut the Power: If you can safely reach the main circuit breaker or fuse box, turn off the power to the area where the fire is. This is the most important first step. Do NOT touch the appliance or cord involved.
Use the Right Extinguisher: Never use water. Use an extinguisher rated for Class C fires (like an ABC extinguisher). Aim at the base of the flames after cutting the power.
Do Not Smother with Cloth: Do not try to smother an electrical fire with a blanket or towel unless the power is confirmed off. The material could become part of the fire, and you risk shock.
If Power Can’t Be Cut: If you cannot safely turn off the power, or if the fire is spreading, get everyone out and call 911 immediately. Do not try to fight it if the power is still on.
Call for Help: Even if you put the fire out, have an electrician check the wiring or appliance before using it again.

Tools to Help Stop a Fire

Having the right tools ready can make a big difference in a kitchen fire.

Kitchen Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver, but only if it’s the right type and you know how to use it.

Types of Extinguishers

Different types of extinguishers are made for different types of fires. Look at the label on the extinguisher. It will have symbols showing the fire types it can be used on (A, B, C, K).

Class A: For ordinary things that burn, like wood, paper, cloth. Symbol is a green triangle with an “A” inside.
Class B: For flammable liquids like grease, oil, gasoline, paint. Symbol is a red square with a “B” inside.
Class C: For electrical fires. Symbol is a blue circle with a “C” inside.
Class D: For flammable metals. Not usually found in a home kitchen. Symbol is a yellow star with a “D”.
Class K: Specifically for cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens. Symbol is a black hexagon with a “K”. While designed for commercial, some home kitchen extinguishers might have a K rating or a special kitchen fire symbol. An ABC extinguisher can work on Class B grease fires, but a Class K is much better for large amounts of cooking oil.

For a home kitchen, an ABC extinguisher is a common choice because it covers the most likely types you’ll face (ordinary stuff, small grease fires, and electrical). However, check for extinguishers with a specific kitchen rating or a Class K rating if cooking with large amounts of oil is common in your home.

Where to Keep It

Store your kitchen fire extinguisher in an easily accessible spot, but away from the stove or cooking area. If a fire starts on the stove, you need to be able to reach the extinguisher without getting too close to the flames. A pantry, a wall near the kitchen exit, or under the sink (if easy to reach) are good places. Make sure everyone in the home knows where it is.

Checking Your Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers need to be checked regularly to make sure they work.

Check the Gauge: Most modern extinguishers have a pressure gauge. The needle should be in the green area. If it’s not, the extinguisher might not work.
Check the Pin and Seal: Make sure the pull pin is in place and the tamper seal is not broken.
Check for Damage: Look for dents, leaks, or damage.
Keep it Clean: Wipe it down if it gets dusty or dirty.
Follow Maker’s Instructions: Check the label for any specific maintenance or inspection steps from the manufacturer.
Recharge or Replace: Extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after use, even if only used a little. They also have a lifespan; check the date or instructions on replacing it after a certain number of years.

Fire Blankets

A fire blanket is a simple tool that can be very effective, especially for grease fires or clothing fires.

Material: They are made from fire-resistant materials like fiberglass or treated wool.
Storage: They come in a small, easy-to-open pouch. Keep it mounted on a wall or in a drawer where you can grab it fast. Again, not right next to the stove.
How to Use: Pull the tabs to release the blanket. Hold it by the corner loops to shield your hands and face. Gently lay the blanket over the fire, covering it completely. Don’t throw it, as this can spread liquids.
Leave it: Leave the blanket in place until the fire is completely out and the area is cool.
Practice: It’s a good idea to practice taking it out of the pouch so you know how to do it quickly.

Other Items (Like Baking Soda)

We mentioned baking soda for fire, but remember its limitations. It’s really only for the tiniest grease flare-ups, and you need a lot. It’s better to rely on a lid, fire blanket, or extinguisher.

Other items you might think of using are often not good ideas.

Water: We already covered this: Never use water on grease fire or electrical fires. It’s fine for ordinary fires (like paper or wood), but those are less common kitchen emergencies than grease or electrical.
Flour or Sugar: Do NOT use flour, sugar, or other cooking powders. They can actually feed the fire or explode if thrown.
Wet Towels/Cloth: A damp cloth or towel might smother a very small fire of ordinary materials (like paper), but it’s risky with grease (water content) and useless/dangerous with electrical fires. A dry, heavy blanket might smother an ordinary fire if you can do it safely without risking burns, but a fire blanket is designed for this.

When to Get Out Fast

Knowing when not to fight a fire is just as important as knowing how to fight one. Your safety and the safety of everyone in your home are the top priority.

You should leave immediately if:

The fire is growing quickly.
The fire is already large (bigger than a small wastebasket).
You are not sure what is burning.
You don’t have the right tool (lid, fire blanket, correct extinguisher) ready and nearby.
The room is filling with smoke. Smoke is very dangerous to breathe and makes it hard to see.
You are afraid or panicking. It is hard to think clearly and act safely if you are scared.
The fire is between you and your escape route.

If any of these things are true, get everyone out of the house right away. Go outside to a safe meeting spot you have planned. Once everyone is safe outside, call 911. Do not go back inside for anything or anyone. Let the firefighters handle it.

Stopping Fires Before They Start

The best way to deal with a kitchen fire is to stop it from happening in the first place. Following good kitchen fire safety tips can prevent most kitchen fires.

Watch Your Cooking

Stay in the Kitchen: If you are frying, broiling, or grilling food, stay in the kitchen. Don’t leave cooking food unattended, even for a moment. Fires can start very quickly.
Turn Off Stoves: If you have to leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the stove or oven.
Use a Timer: Use a timer as a reminder, especially if you are simmering or baking something for a long time.
Cook Aware: Avoid cooking when you are sleepy or have been drinking alcohol.

Keep Things Clean

Clean Up Spills: Clean up food spills and grease splatters on the stovetop, in the oven, and on counters right away. Built-up grease is a major fire hazard.
Clean Vents: Clean the fan and filter above your stove regularly. Grease can build up there and catch fire.
Empty Trash: Keep trash cans away from the stove and empty them often, especially if they contain paper or packaging that could catch fire.

Check Appliances

Cords: Check appliance cords regularly for damage like fraying or cracks. Replace damaged cords.
Outlets: Don’t overload electrical outlets. Only plug in one high-wattage appliance at a time per outlet (like a toaster or microwave).
Follow Instructions: Read and follow the safety instructions for all your kitchen appliances.
Microwave Use: Only use microwave-safe dishes in the microwave. Never put metal in.

Kids and Pets Safe

Keep Kids Away: Create a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and oven. Kids should not play near hot surfaces.
Pot Handles: Turn pot and pan handles inward on the stovetop so they can’t be easily bumped or pulled over.
Pets Off Counters: Keep pets off counters and away from the stove area.

Having the Right Gear Ready

Working Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms in or near the kitchen and on every level of your home. Test them every month. Change the batteries at least once a year (a good time is when you change clocks for daylight saving).
Fire Extinguisher/Blanket: Make sure you have a suitable kitchen fire extinguisher or fire blanket. Know where it is and how to use it. Check it regularly.

After the Flames Are Out

Once the fire is out, or if you had to evacuate and firefighters put it out, there are still steps to take.

Check for Lingering Fires: Be sure the fire is completely out. Sometimes flames are gone, but hot spots remain. Watch the area carefully.
Ventilate: Open windows and doors to air out the smoke. Smoke contains harmful particles and chemicals.
Assess Damage: Look at what was burned. Be careful, as things might be hot or unstable.
Food Safety: Discard any food that was near the fire or exposed to smoke, even if it looks okay. Smoke particles can contaminate food.
Cleaning: Clean up soot and smoke residue carefully. Wear gloves and a mask. Use appropriate cleaners.
Appliance Check: If an appliance caught fire, or was involved, do not use it again until it has been checked by a qualified repair person or electrician.
Call for Help if Needed: If there was significant damage, or if you are unsure about safety, contact your local fire department for advice. You may also need to contact your insurance company.
Reflect: Think about what happened and how it could have been prevented. Review your kitchen fire safety tips and make changes if needed.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some questions people often ask about kitchen fires.

Can I use flour to put out a grease fire?

No, absolutely not. Never use flour, sugar, or any other cooking powder on a grease fire. They can actually make the fire worse or even cause a dangerous explosion.

Where should I keep my kitchen fire extinguisher?

Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot in the kitchen, but away from the stove itself. If the fire is on the stove, you need to get to the extinguisher safely. Examples include a nearby wall, a pantry, or under the sink (if easily accessible).

How often should I check my fire extinguisher?

Check the pressure gauge monthly to make sure the needle is in the green. Check the pin and seal, and look for any damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for more detailed checks or professional inspections, often yearly.

Is a fire blanket reusable?

Generally, no. Fire blankets are typically designed for one use. After using a fire blanket on a fire, you should discard it and replace it with a new one.

Will baking soda put out any kitchen fire?

No. Baking soda for fire is only for very, very small grease fires. You need a large amount, and it won’t work on larger grease fires or any other type of fire (like electrical or ordinary materials). It is not a main firefighting tool.

What is a Class K extinguisher for?

A Class K extinguisher is specifically designed to put out fires involving cooking oils and fats that are kept very hot, like those found in deep fryers in commercial kitchens. While an ABC extinguisher can handle small grease fires in a home, a Class K is much more effective for larger oil fires. Some home extinguishers now have a K rating.

How do I know if a fire is electrical?

An electrical fire will often involve sparks, burning smells (like burning plastic), or originate from an appliance, outlet, or cord. The appliance might stop working just before or during the fire.

Should I try to carry a burning pot outside?

No, do not try to move a pot or pan that is on fire. This is very dangerous. You could easily spill the burning contents and spread the fire to yourself, others, or other parts of your home. Smother the fire where it is if possible, or evacuate.

Stay Ready, Stay Safe

Dealing with a kitchen fire is scary, but by staying calm and knowing what to do, you can handle it safely. Remember to identify the type of fire, use the correct method (like smothering a grease fire, and never use water on grease fire), and know your tools (like a kitchen fire extinguisher, fire blanket, or lid). Most importantly, know when it’s time to forget fighting the fire and just get out and call for help. By following good kitchen fire safety tips, keeping your kitchen clean, and having the right equipment ready, you can greatly reduce the chances of a fire ever starting. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones are what matter most. Be prepared, stay aware, and keep your kitchen safe.