If a grease fire starts on the stove, what steps should you take?

• A. Do not use water. Turn off the heat, cover with a metal lid or use a Class K fire extinguisher or fire blanket, and evacuate if needed.
• B. Pour water on the fire immediately.
• C. Move the pan off the heat and ignore.
• D. Use a flour-based top cover.

Answer: (A)

Grease fires must be smothered and the heat cut off, not fought with water. Start by turning off the burner to stop heating the oil. Pouring water on a grease fire is dangerous because water sinks below the oil, causing the oil to explode into flames and splatter, which can spread the fire.

If it’s safe to do so, cover the pan with a metal lid or a baking sheet to smother the flames and block oxygen. A fire blanket can also be used to smother the fire. If you have a kitchen-appropriate extinguisher (Class K for cooking oils or a similarly rated extinguisher), use it according to the instructions.

If the fire continues or you can’t smother it safely, evacuate and call emergency services. Do not move the pan or try to carry it outside while flames are present; wait until everything has cooled. Afterward, inspect for heat and practice, once safe, to prevent recurrence.