When a grease fire flares up in your kitchen, you need to know what to do. These flames spread rapidly if you don’t act quickly with the right actions. While you certainly hope you’ll never deal with this problem, here’s how to handle the emergency to limit as much fire damage as possible.  

Do:

Turn off the heat source.

Whether your problem is in the oven or stove, turn off your heat source right away. If the flames are contained to a pot, cover it with a top. Fire needs oxygen to survive, so cutting off that source will force it to peter out. Only do this if you have a metal lid, as glass will shatter under the high heat and result in more fire damage.

Use the right fire extinguisher.

Liberal amounts of baking soda can be poured over a small grease fire to put it out. Larger fires will require a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher. This extinguisher type is rated specifically for kitchen use since it works by creating a barrier between the oxygen and the fuel.

Don’t:

Use water.

Water will not douse a grease fire. Instead, it will quickly boil when it hits the hot pan. As the vapor rises and spreads, it takes the grease with it, further exacerbating the fire damage.

Touch the pot or pan.

Never try to move the affected container outside, as this could splash the burning grease onto you or spread the fire. If you can put the fire out, give the pot or pan plenty of time to cool down before disposing of the grease. If not, back away to a safe distance and call 911. 

When you’ve had fire damage from a kitchen grease fire, bring in a professional to restore your home. Arkansas Restoration Services in Russellville is the trusted restoration company serving property owners of Pope, Yell, Conway, and Johnson counties for over 30 years. They are known for their unparalleled customer service and efficient work in every project, from smoke damage and water damage restoration. Contact them online or call (479) 967-2018 to get started.