Grease fires can occur in an instant. While it’s natural to panic when you see flames in the kitchen, there’s a proper way to handle this situation.The following guide offers information on how these blazes begin, so you can hopefully prevent them, as well as what to do if the fire alarm sounds.

What Causes Them?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and related injuries. Often, this is due to food being neglected. However, even when you’re cooking vigilantly, accidents can happen. If the oil gets too hot while you’re cooking, it can spark a blaze that is difficult to smother fast enough. This is especially true during busy holiday seasons, or when there are guests in the house, making it difficult to keep track of what’s happening in the kitchen.

How Do You Put It Out?

Although most cooks may quickly reach for water when the fire alarm goes off, this is the worst way to combat a grease fire. Water and oil react in a volatile manner and cause the fire to spread. If the flames are still small enough, slide a metal cover over the blaze to smother it. If you have baking soda nearby, throwing a liberal amount onto a small fire may help quench it. You can also use a fire extinguisher using the P-A-S-S method, which involves pulling the pin, aiming it at the base of the fire, squeezing the lever gently, and sweeping the extinguisher nozzle from side to side.

How to Prevent Grease Fires

Always be alert when you’re cooking. If you’re tired or have consumed alcohol, then you may be too impaired to safely prepare food that requires frying, boiling, baking, or grilling. Avoid keeping any flammables, like utensils, oven mitts, and cookbooks, directly near the stove when it’s hot. If possible, limit how much oil you use, too. Sometimes the oil warns you of danger in advance—it may smell strange, for example, or emit smoke, which is a sign of overheating. Additionally, check your fire alarms at least twice a year to make sure they are functional.

What If You Can’t Put It Out?

If you don’t feel comfortable using a fire extinguisher or the blaze is too large to safely put out yourself, usher everyone safely outside of the home and make sure the doors are closed. Then call the fire department.

Grease fires can be frightening, but staying a step ahead can help you deal with the problem more efficiently. Turn to GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage, AK, for all of your residential and commercial fire protection needs. From quality fire alarms to reliable fire extinguishers, they will give you the peace of mind you need in the kitchen. Visit them online to browse their products, or call (907) 336-5000 to schedule a consultation.