Grease fires are among the most dangerous and fast-spreading types of household fires. They occur primarily in kitchens when cooking oils or fats become overheated. What makes them especially hazardous is that traditional methods of extinguishing fires—like pouring water—can worsen the situation dramatically.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries in the United States. Grease fires, in particular, account for a significant portion of these incidents. This article answers a vital question: How to put out grease fires—and what is the best extinguisher to use?
This guide will provide expert advice on:
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The nature and causes of grease fires
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How to safely extinguish a grease fire
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The best fire extinguishers for kitchen use
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Common mistakes to avoid
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Prevention tips to keep your home safe
Let’s explore the safest and most effective strategies for protecting your home and family from the unique threat of grease fires.
What Causes Grease Fires in the Kitchen?
Understanding the cause of a grease fire is crucial to both extinguishing it properly and preventing future incidents. A grease fire starts when oil, fat, or grease becomes too hot, reaching its smoke point and eventually its flash point.
Key Causes of Grease Fires Include:
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Overheating oil: Most cooking oils ignite at temperatures between 600°F and 700°F (315°C to 370°C).
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Leaving cooking unattended: According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
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Using the wrong cookware: Thin or low-quality pans heat unevenly, increasing the chance of oil ignition.
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Grease buildup: Greasy stove hoods and burners can catch fire during regular cooking.
How It Starts:
A typical scenario might involve heating oil for frying and forgetting it on high heat. The oil begins to smoke, indicating it’s near its flash point. If left unchecked, it can spontaneously ignite, producing large flames that can spread rapidly.
Important Insight: Grease fires behave differently from other fires. They don’t burn in the same way wood or paper does. Trying to put them out with water only splashes the burning oil, spreading fire quickly across kitchen surfaces and even onto people.
How to Put Out Grease Fires Safely: Step-by-Step Guide
If a grease fire starts, staying calm and acting quickly are critical. Here are the correct steps to take:
Step 1: Turn Off the Heat Source
Immediately switch off the burner or oven. This helps reduce the fire’s fuel source. Never try to move the pan—you risk spreading burning oil.
Step 2: Smother the Flames
If the fire is small and contained in a pan, cover it with:
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A metal lid (not glass, as it may shatter)
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A cookie sheet
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A wet cloth soaked in baking soda (not water)
This deprives the fire of oxygen and helps smother the flames.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda—If Available
Throwing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) onto the fire can help extinguish small flames. It reacts with heat to produce carbon dioxide, which smothers the fire.
Do NOT use flour, sugar, or baking powder—they are flammable and can explode when thrown on flames.
Step 4: Use a Class K or B Fire Extinguisher
If smothering doesn’t work, use the correct fire extinguisher, explained in the next section.
Step 5: Evacuate and Call 911
If the fire grows out of control or spreads beyond the stove, evacuate immediately. Close the door to contain the fire and call emergency services.
What’s the Best Extinguisher for a Grease Fire?
Not all fire extinguishers are suitable for grease fires. Using the wrong one can make the situation worse.
Best Extinguishers for Grease Fires:
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Class K Fire Extinguisher (for commercial kitchens)
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Class B Fire Extinguisher (for flammable liquids, including cooking oils)
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Multipurpose ABC Extinguisher with B Rating (acceptable in some home kitchens)
1. Class K Extinguishers
Specifically designed for grease and cooking oil fires.
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Commonly used in commercial kitchens and restaurants
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Uses a wet chemical (often potassium acetate) that cools the oil and creates a soapy layer to prevent re-ignition
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Not required for every home, but ideal if you cook frequently or fry often
2. Class B Extinguishers
Designed for flammable liquids like gasoline, alcohol, and oil.
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Uses dry chemical agents such as monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate
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Suitable for home kitchens
3. ABC Extinguishers with a B Rating
These are multi-purpose units that work on Class A (trash/wood), Class B (liquids/oils), and Class C (electrical) fires.
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Useful in mixed environments but may not be as effective on deep-fat fryer fires as Class K
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Ideal for general household fire protection
Best Practice:
Keep a Class B or ABC extinguisher rated for kitchen use under your sink or on a nearby wall. Ensure it is easily accessible—not behind the stove or in another room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Grease Fire
Even a small mistake in judgment can turn a kitchen flare-up into a full-blown house fire. Here are some dangerous actions to avoid:
1. Never Pour Water on a Grease Fire: This is the most common and most dangerous mistake. Water instantly vaporizes on hot oil, causing the burning oil to splash and spread flames.
2. Don’t Use a Wet Towel: Wet towels act like water and can spread the fire. Use a dry cloth or lid instead.
3. Avoid Trying to Move the Pan: Moving a flaming pan can spill the oil, spreading fire across surfaces or onto your body.
4. Do Not Use Aerosol Sprays: Air fresheners, bug sprays, and cooking sprays are highly flammable. Keep them away from open flames.
5. Don’t Use Glass Lids: Glass can shatter from the heat and cause injuries or worsen the situation.
Expert Insight:
Many homeowners panic during a fire and forget these basic principles. Regularly reviewing fire safety procedures and practicing fire drills can prepare your household to act fast and safely.
Best Kitchen Fire Extinguishers: Top Picks for Home Use
1. First Alert Kitchen5 Fire Extinguisher
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UL-rated 5-B: C
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Compact and lightweight
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Ideal for grease and electrical fires
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Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
2. Kidde FA110 Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher
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UL-rated 1-A:10-B:C
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Multipurpose for kitchen and general use
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Easy to mount and operate
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Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars
3. Amerex B456 Dry Chemical Extinguisher
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UL-rated 10-B: C
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Heavy-duty design with high effectiveness
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Used in commercial-grade kitchens
4. Kidde Pro 2.5MP
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UL-rated 2-A:10-B:C
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Affordable and refillable
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Strong metal valve construction
Tip: Always check the expiration date of your extinguisher and inspect the pressure gauge monthly. Replace if discharged or out of service.
How to Prevent Grease Fires in the First Place
While knowing how to extinguish a grease fire is crucial, preventing one altogether is even more valuable. Prevention saves lives, property, and peace of mind.
1. Never Leave Cooking Unattended: Over 70% of kitchen fires start when cooking is left unsupervised. Always stay in the kitchen, especially when frying.
2. Use the Right Oil for Cooking: Choose oils with high smoke points (e.g., avocado oil, peanut oil) for frying. Low-smoke-point oils burn easily.
3. Use a Thermometer: Monitor oil temperature with a kitchen thermometer. Don’t let it exceed 350–375°F unless the recipe requires.
4. Keep the Stove Area Clean: Remove grease buildup from stovetops, hoods, and filters weekly.
5. Install a Smoke Detector in or Near the Kitchen: Use a photoelectric smoke alarm that won’t trigger false alerts easily from cooking steam.
6. Store Fire Extinguisher Within Reach: Mount it on a wall near the cooking area but away from the stove (for safe access during a fire).
What to Do After a Grease Fire: Safety and Cleanup
Once the fire is out and it’s safe to enter your kitchen:
1. Ventilate the Area: Open windows and use fans to clear smoke and odors.
2. Do Not Reuse Cookware: Dispose of the oil and thoroughly clean the pan before using it again.
3. Check for Damage: Inspect kitchen surfaces, cabinets, and appliances. Look for soot, heat damage, or melted surfaces.
4. Contact Your Insurance: If there’s substantial damage, file a report with your homeowner’s insurance.
5. Restock Fire Equipment: If you used a fire extinguisher, replace or refill it immediately.
Conclusion
Grease fires are unpredictable but preventable. By understanding how they start, how to extinguish them correctly, and what tools to use—especially the right type of fire extinguisher—you can significantly reduce your risk.
To recap:
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NEVER use water on a grease fire
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Use a metal lid, baking soda, or a proper extinguisher
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Best extinguishers: Class K for commercial kitchens, Class B or ABC for home kitchens
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Prevent fires with proper cooking practices and kitchen maintenance
By staying prepared and educating your household, you can enjoy cooking without fear and respond confidently in the rare case that a grease fire does occur.