How to Put Out a Grease Fire

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

A kitchen grease fire in Lochwood, TX

How to Put Out a Grease Fire

A grease fire is pretty much the worst accident that could happen in a kitchen. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of house fires, claiming over 3 000 homes in Lochwood, TX  each year. That's why you need to know how to stop this potential disaster before it spirals out of control.
Here are some of the things you should never do when dealing with a grease fire:

• Do not pour water on the fire
  
• Do not attempt to move the pot
  
• Do not use any other baking product beside baking soda
  
  

Turn Off the Heat

Turn off the heat as the first thing you do when the oil starts to smoke. If there's a flame already, cover the pot with a metal lid to starve the fire of oxygen. However, it is worth noting that this procedure works if you spot the flame before it gets out of control. It's the main reason why fire experts advise people to stay in the kitchen while cooking.

Pour Baking Soda

Baking Soda can put out small fires, but you have to use a lot of it. The good thing is, this baking agent will not cause any contamination, even when it falls on foodstuffs. Alternatively, use a generous amount of salt to put out the blaze.

Use a Chemical Fire Extinguisher

When everything else fails, use a chemical fire extinguisher to put out the oil fire. You need to be extra cautious as the extinguisher's pressure might spread the burning grease all over the kitchen. Its contents will also contaminate everything it comes into contact with, and a fire cleanup is the only way to undo its effect.
Although cooking does not always present danger, a grease fire can burn down the house or even worse. Use these tips to neutralize this risk before it's too late, but never try to be a hero if the fire breaks out.