My Food Is On Fire!

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Reading Time: 1 min 21 sec

If there is a grease fire in your house, it is vital that you know how to properly extinguish it. These fires are different from other forms of fires, since they burn as a result of oils being too hot, and they can never be extinguished with water. Fires that begin as a result of vegetable oils, animal fats, or other fats should be extinguished as follows:

1. Switch the heat source off 
   Simply switching off the stove knob without removing any pots or pans from the stove.
2. Cover the fire with a metal lid on it.
   If you do not have a lid big enough to cover the pot or pan that is on fire, you can use a baking sheet. This cuts off the oxygen that the fire needs to continue to burn. Do not use a glass lid because there is a chance of shattering.
3. Throw soda or salt into the flames to extinguish it further
   Just use these two common ingredients in the kitchen. Never use flour or baking powder, as their individual chemical composition will potentially fuel the fire instead of putting it out.

As a last resort, you can use a fire extinguisher to fire grease. Use only the Class B extinguisher and aim at the lower part of the fire, following the instructions of the manufacturer.

What To Do If You Cannot Put the Fire Out

In case the fire spreads in your house, evacuate immediately. When you leave, be sure to close the door to help contain the flames. When you hit a safe distance, call 911 and wait for the firefighters to extinguish the flames. Do not return to your home under any conditions until you have been told that it is safe for you to do so by fire officials.

What To Do After The Fire 

A grease fire can cause your home to need a fire cleanup. If you need these services, it is best to always employ a fire-restoring company, and just know that SERVPRO of College Park/ Hyattsville and SERVPRO of District Heights/ Landover is always here to help.