Grease fires occur when cooking oil gets too hot. Both animal and vegetable oils can reach temperatures that will lead to smoke followed by a fire igniting. Grease fires behave differently than others and must be treated in a certain way to stop the spreading and the need for fire restoration in your home. Below are a few do’s and don’ts to remember if one starts in your house.

Do:

Turn off the heat source.

If a grease fire ignites turn off the heat, but do not move the pot or pan. Doing so will splash burning oil on you and around your kitchen. Focus on putting the fire out and stopping it from spreading.

Cover it with a heavy lid.

Fires need oxygen to thrive. After turning off the heat, place a metal lid over the flames to cut off the air. Avoid glass lids as the heat will shatter them.

Have a functioning fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

If other techniques for putting out the fire fail or the fire spreads, have a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher ready for use in the kitchen. While this will contaminate your kitchen, it will stop the fire. Fire restoration services can help you fix your room later.

Don’t:

Douse flames with water.

Water will only cause the scalding oil to splash and spread around the room. Vaporizing water also feeds the fire’s power. Instead, pour baking soda over the flames. If the fire is too extensive, reach for your fire extinguisher and call 911.

Open doors and windows.

Introducing more oxygen will only give the fire more energy. Do not open the windows and doors until the fire is completely out.

Leave heated oil unattended.

Prevention is best. If you are frying oil, never leave the pot or pan unattended. Vegetable oil’s smoking point is 450°F, while animal-based oils and fats are 375°F. If you see smoke developing or smell burning, turn down the heat and remove the pot from the burner before a fire starts.

With a location in Louisville, KY, and another in Cincinnati, Hudepohl Restoration is the company to trust when you need fire restoration as well as water damage and mold services. Their professional team can help restore your property after devastation strikes, whether from a storm or from smoke and floods. They can also bring their more than three decades of experience to remodeling projects for your kitchen, bathroom, deck, porch, and basement. For emergency services and fire restoration information, call them at (502) 873-5744. Visit their website to contact them online.