What To Do When Grease Ignites

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Cut off the heat source as soon as grease starts to smoke

Hot grease, such as cooking oil or fat, is quick to ignite. Fat and oil tend to smoke before a fire starts. You should take the following measures to extinguish a grease fire.

Stop Heating the Oil

Cut off the heat source as soon as grease starts to smoke. There are several guidelines depending on the type of fat or oil:

• Animal fats smoke around 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  
• Vegetable oils smoke around 450 degrees Fahrenheit
  
• Do not add water to any hot grease
  
  

It may be possible to avoid a fire by turning off the heat and covering smoking grease. Adding water to grease can cause a splash that spreads fire.

Cut Off Oxygen

Limiting the availability of oxygen is the best way to extinguish a grease fire. Completely cover a burning pan or pot with any of the following items:

• Baking sheet
  
• Metal lid
  
• Another metal pan or pot
  
  

Leave the cover undisturbed for up to 20 minutes. Simple kitchen ingredients can also be used to douse grease fires.

Douse the Flames

You can dump baking soda and salt on a fire before covering the flames. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide and salt absorbs heat. A large amount of these ingredients may be necessary. A Class B or K extinguisher is also useful for grease fires. Avoid spraying an extinguisher directly at flaming grease, as pressurized suppressant may spatter grease and spread a fire.

Seal Off the Fire and Evacuate

If the fire spreads and cannot be suppressed, close the door to the kitchen to limit air flow. Evacuate the premises and call the fire department.

These are the most effective methods for putting out a grease fire. When you are dealing with damage resulting from any type of fire at your home in Bearden, TN, you should contact a fire cleanup company that specializes in mitigation and restoration.