Q&A for How to Put Out a Grease Fire

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I prevent grease fire?
    David Decker
    Firefighting Expert
    David Decker is a Firefighting Expert based in Newark, Ohio. Assistant Chief Decker was a career firefighter for 32+ years at Newark Fire Department and served as an Assistant Chief for 14 years. As Assistant Chief, he was in charge of department operations and training. He is now the owner of Command Vision, a fire training company focusing on incident command. He also has a YouTube channel where he uploads dash-cam videos captured at fire scenes that serve as training material for fire officers who want to expand their knowledge. The channel features over 40 structure fire videos and has garnered 55k followers and more than 15 million views.
    Firefighting Expert
    Expert Answer
    To avoid grease fires, refrain from letting children play near cooking areas to prevent accidental spills or splatters that could ignite. Additionally, never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying or using oil. Keep flammable items like dish towels and oven mitts away from the stove, and always have a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Regularly clean cooking appliances and ensure they're free from grease buildup to minimize fire risk.
  • Question
    How do I use a fire extinguisher properly?
    David Decker
    Firefighting Expert
    David Decker is a Firefighting Expert based in Newark, Ohio. Assistant Chief Decker was a career firefighter for 32+ years at Newark Fire Department and served as an Assistant Chief for 14 years. As Assistant Chief, he was in charge of department operations and training. He is now the owner of Command Vision, a fire training company focusing on incident command. He also has a YouTube channel where he uploads dash-cam videos captured at fire scenes that serve as training material for fire officers who want to expand their knowledge. The channel features over 40 structure fire videos and has garnered 55k followers and more than 15 million views.
    Firefighting Expert
    Expert Answer
    To use a fire extinguisher effectively, remember the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Pull the pin to break the seal, aim the nozzle at the fire's base, squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and sweep the extinguisher from side to side until the flames are out. Following these steps helps contain small fires and prevents them from spreading.
  • Question
    My cooking pot caught on fire and I put a glass lid on it to extinguish the flames. Is it now safe to remove the lid?
    Community Answer
    Wait at least 45 minutes to be safe. Call 911 if you are afraid to take it off. For future reference, don't use a glass lid if you can help it; the glass could heat up and shatter.
  • Question
    What can I use to put out a grease fire that is on the burner?
    Community Answer
    Turn the stove off first, then cover the fire with a metal pot lid. Since fire can't exist without oxygen, this will extinguish the grease fire. If it's a smaller one, you can try using baking soda. Avoid using water, as it will just make the oil/grease spread.
  • Question
    How do I put out a grease fire if it is on a person?
    Community Answer
    Tell the person to Stop, Drop, and Roll.
  • Question
    Will flour explode if I put it on a grease fire?
    Community Answer
    It won't exactly explode but flames will shoot everywhere.
  • Question
    Can I use a class A fire extinguisher on a grease fire?
    Community Answer
    No. Only class B and class C should be used. Class A is for natural fires, such as a camp fire or building fire.
  • Question
    Will salt extinguish a grease fire?
    Community Answer
    Yes, a large amount. Baking soda is better, though.
  • Question
    What happen if a grease fire starts to spread everywhere around the house, and I can't find a way out?
    Community Answer
    Go into a room and put towels, sheets, clothes or whatever you can find around the door to block the smoke. Call 911.
  • Question
    Why won't the door on my oven open?
    Community Answer
    Some ovens lock; check for a button with a lock on it. One reason the lock feature is available is for self-cleaning.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article