A grease fire in the kitchen can escalate rapidly, but knowing how to respond is crucial for your safety. Never use water to put out a grease fire, – it can intensify the flames and spread the fire. Instead, follow these steps:
Cover with a lid: If it's safe, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames. Turn off the heat source.
Use baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the fire to help smother it.
Use a fire extinguisher: If the fire is out of control, use a Class K fire extinguisher, specifically designed for kitchen fires.
Don't use flour or water: Flour can create an explosive reaction, while water will cause the fire to splatter and grow.
Evacuate if needed: If the fire spreads or you can't control it, leave and call 911.
Quick and safe actions can prevent grease fires from turning into disasters.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
