What is one method to help extinguish a pan fire besides using a lid?

• A. Throw salt or baking powder onto the flames.
• B. Pour water gradually.
• C. Cover with a wet cloth.
• D. Smother with flour.

Answer: (A)

When a pan fire is small, the goal is to smother the flame by cutting off its oxygen supply. Sprinkling salt or baking soda directly onto the flames does exactly that: it blankets the hot oil, cools the area, and releases a small amount of gas that helps smother the fire without splashing oil. This is a quick, safe alternative to using a lid.

Water is dangerous on a grease fire because it sinks below the oil and can cause the burning oil to splash and spread. A wet cloth can trap heat and may ignite or cause steam burns, and flour is a fine powder that can ignite or create a dusty, spreading fire when dispersed in the air. So salt or baking soda is the best choice here.