What to do When you Have a Grease Fire..

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

Always keep a fire extinguisher close by, you never know when you will need it!

Grease Fire Basics

Home cooking fires are common, and a fire caused by grease and oils is among the most common of cooking fires. A grease fire is a different animal from fires that have paper or wood as a primary source. They can also quickly erupt on the stove top, in the oven and on grills. The source of the fire doesn't have to be cooking oils but can also originate from the oils and grease generated by the foods that are being cooked. They are tricky to extinguish, which may be a factor in why they cause so much damage.

Steps To Take During a Grease Fire

A quick response to this type of fire can prevent disaster. These measures have been proven to put out the flames.

Snuff out the flames by covering them with a metal lid or cookie sheet.
Keep the cover on until the fire is out.
An alternative is to cover the fire with baking soda or salt.
If available, extinguish the fire with a Class B fire extinguisher.

If these steps don't work and the fire grows, get everyone out of the home. Call the fire department as soon as possible.

Steps Not To Take

Unlike other fires, you should never use water on a fire feeding on cooking oils. It's also vital not to attempt to move the fire outside, either when it is burning or right after a metal lid has been put over the fire. This action can result in burns and a spread of the fire. Flour and baking powder will not work on snuffing out this type of fire, as they have a different chemical structure than baking soda and salt and can feed the fire.
Understanding a grease fire protects you and your family. If a blaze does harm your home, the first step to fire cleanup is to call in a fire remediation team such as, SERVPRO of Southeast Portland, will clean up the damage and restore your home "Like it never even happened."