How to Put Out a Grease Fire Safely and How to Prevent It

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Do you know how to put out a grease fire safely? This question is important for every person who cooks at home. Grease fires happen when cooking oil gets too hot and catches fire. These fires are very dangerous because they burn very hot and can spread quickly.

Cooking fires cause almost half of all house fires. Many people get hurt because they do not know the right way to stop these fires. When grease catches fire, you must act fast but also act smart. The wrong actions can make the fire much worse.

In this article, you will learn how to put out a grease fire safely and what causes it. We will also share things you shouldn't do when putting out a grease fire and how to prevent it from happening. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (4/9/2025).

When a grease fire starts, you need to follow the right steps in order. These steps will help you stop the fire safely without making it bigger. Remember, you must stay calm and never panic.

Step 1: Turn Off the Heat Source

The first thing you must do is turn off the stove or oven. Do not try to move the burning pot or pan. Moving hot oil can splash burning grease on you or around your kitchen. This can spread the fire to other areas. Just turn off the heat and leave the pot where it is.

Step 2: Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid

Get a metal lid that fits the pot or pan. Slide the lid over the burning pot from the side. Do not put the lid on from above because the flames might burn you. The lid will cut off oxygen to the fire. Without oxygen, the fire will stop burning. Only use metal lids because glass lids can break from the heat.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda or Salt

If you do not have a lid, you can use baking soda or salt. Pour a lot of baking soda or salt directly on the flames. These materials help stop the fire by cutting off air. But you need to use a large amount. This method only works for small fires.

Step 4: Use a Fire Extinguisher

If the fire is still burning, use a fire extinguisher. The best type for grease fires is a Class K fire extinguisher. You can also use Class B or ABC fire extinguishers. Stand far from the fire and spray from the side. Do not spray directly down on the fire because this can spread burning oil.

Step 5: Call 911 if Needed

If the fire gets out of control, leave your home right away. Call 911 from outside. Do not try to be a hero. Professional firefighters have the right tools to stop big fires safely.

Now you know how to put out a grease fire, you may want to know why it happens. Grease fires happen when cooking oil becomes too hot. All cooking oils can catch fire if they get hot enough. The temperature at which oil catches fire is called the flash point.

Most vegetable oils start smoking around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Animal fats like lard start smoking at about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. When oil starts smoking, it is getting close to catching fire. Oil can catch fire in just 30 seconds after it starts smoking.

Common situations that cause grease fires include leaving oil alone while it heats up, using too high heat settings, and having dirty cooking surfaces. When people get distracted by phone calls or visitors, they forget about the hot oil. The oil then gets too hot and catches fire. Spilled oil on stove tops can also catch fire easily.

Many people make dangerous mistakes when trying to stop grease fires. These wrong actions can make the fire much bigger and more dangerous. Here are the most important things you should never do during a grease fire.

- Never Use Water: Water is the worst thing you can put on a grease fire. Water and hot oil do not mix. When you pour water on burning grease, it creates a fireball. The water turns into steam very fast and carries burning oil with it. This spreads the fire everywhere and can cause serious burns.

- Never Move the Burning Pot: Do not try to carry the burning pot outside or to the sink. Hot burning oil can splash on you and cause bad burns. Moving the pot can also spill burning oil on your floor, cabinets, or other surfaces. This spreads the fire around your kitchen.

- Never Use Flour or Baking Powder: Flour and baking powder look like baking soda, but they are very different. These materials can explode when they touch fire. Only baking soda works to put out grease fires. Other baking products will make the fire much worse.

- Never Use Wet or Dry Towels: Some people think wet towels can help stop fires. This is wrong and very dangerous. Wet towels can make the fire spread, just like water does. Dry towels will catch fire and give the flames more fuel to burn.

Prevention is always better than fighting a fire. These simple steps will help you avoid grease fires in your kitchen. Following these tips will keep you and your family safe while cooking.

- Stay in the Kitchen While Cooking: Never leave hot oil alone. Stay in the kitchen and watch the oil while it heats up. If you see smoke coming from the oil, turn down the heat right away. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the stove first.

- Use a Cooking Thermometer: A thermometer helps you know how hot your oil is. Heat oil slowly and do not let it get too hot. Most cooking does not need oil hotter than 375 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermometer helps you stay below the dangerous temperature.

- Keep Your Cooking Area Clean: Clean up spilled oil and grease right away. Old grease on your stove can catch fire easily. Wipe down your stove top after cooking. Also clean your oven if you have grease buildup inside it.

- Keep a Lid Nearby: Always keep the right lid close to your cooking pot. If a fire starts, you will not have time to look for a lid. Having it ready helps you act fast to stop the fire.

- Know Your Fire Extinguisher Location: Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and learn how to use it. Check what type of fires it can put out. Replace your fire extinguisher when the label says to do so. Practice using it so you know what to do in an emergency.

- Remove Flammable Items: Keep paper towels, recipe books, and dish towels away from your stove. These items can catch fire easily. Give yourself plenty of space around the stove when cooking with oil.

Grease fires are serious, but you can handle them safely if you know what to do. Remember the main steps: turn off heat, cover with a metal lid, and use baking soda if needed. Most importantly, never use water on a grease fire. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can cook safely and protect your home from dangerous fires.