Since today, July 6th is #NationalFriedChickenDay, we thought it would be important to talk about Kitchen fires, especially when they involve grease. Grease fires can escalate quickly and pose significant risks to both your property and personal safety. At East Madison Fire Territory, we prioritize fire prevention and safety education. In this article, we will discuss the causes of kitchen grease fires, preventative measures, and most importantly, how to properly extinguish a grease fire should one occur.
Kitchen grease fires occur when oil or grease reaches its ignition point and catches fire. The high temperatures involved in cooking can easily ignite oil or grease spills, splatters, or overheated cooking oil. Grease fires can spread rapidly, producing intense heat and thick smoke that can quickly fill a room.
Prevention is the key to avoiding kitchen grease fires. Here are some essential tips to keep your kitchen safe:
- Never leave cooking unattended: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially if you are frying, grilling, or using high heat.
- Keep your cooking area clean: Regularly clean the stovetop, oven, and other cooking appliances to prevent the buildup of grease and food residue. Grease accumulation increases the risk of fires.
- Be cautious with oil and grease: Store oil and grease away from heat sources and open flames. Be careful when using them for cooking, as overheating can lead to ignition.
- Use appropriate cooking utensils: Opt for deep pans or pots with lids while frying or cooking with oil to minimize splattering. Splattering oil can cause flare-ups and potentially ignite a fire.
- Keep flammable objects away: Ensure that flammable items like towels, potholders, paper towels, and curtains are kept at a safe distance from the stove.
Despite taking precautions, a grease fire can still occur. It’s crucial to remain calm and follow the correct steps for extinguishing the fire:
- Turn off the heat source: If it is safe to do so, turn off the burner or heat source immediately. Removing the heat will help prevent the fire from spreading further.
- Do not use water: Never attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water, as it will only worsen the situation. Water can cause the oil to splatter and spread the fire.
- Smother the fire with a lid or baking sheet: Quickly place a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply. Slide it slowly over the pan to avoid splashing the grease.
- Utilize a fire extinguisher: If the fire is escalating and you have access to a fire extinguisher, use a Class B or K extinguisher designed for grease and oil fires. Aim at the base of the fire and sweep side to side until the flames are extinguished. For more about fire extinguishers, please follow this link to our Fire Extinguisher Page.
- Never attempt to carry the burning pan: Moving the pan can cause the flames to spread or increase the risk of injury. It’s best to keep the pan in place until the fire is out.
- Evacuate and call emergency services (9-1-1): If the fire continues to grow or you feel overwhelmed, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department. Do not re-enter the kitchen until it is safe to do so.
Kitchen grease fires are a serious threat that can be prevented with caution, attention, and knowledge. By following preventive measures and understanding how to respond to a grease fire, you can ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. Remember, when it comes to fires, prevention is always better than having to respond to an emergency. Stay vigilant, keep your kitchen clean, and be prepared to act swiftly and effectively in case of a grease fire. East Madison Fire Territory is dedicated to keeping our community safe, so if you have any further questions or need additional fire safety advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Stay safe, be fire-aware, and protect your home from the dangers of kitchen grease fires. Remember, a little prevention and knowledge can go a long way in keeping your kitchen and family secure.
