What should you do if you can't safely put the lid on a flaming pan and you need to act quickly?

• A. Wait for help to arrive.
• B. Use a fire extinguisher; aim at the base of the fire.
• C. Pour water on it.
• D. Cover with a damp towel.

Answer: (B)

When a pan is flaming and you can’t safely slide a lid on, using a fire extinguisher is the quickest, most controllable way to act. For a grease or oil fire, you want to apply the extinguisher at the base of the flames to knock down the fuel and cool the area, which is how you stop the fire from being fed. Remember the basic use: pull the pin, aim low at the base, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side until the fire is out. Water should never be used on an oil fire because it violently reacts and can splatter burning oil, making the situation worse. A damp towel or waiting for help isn’t as reliable or fast as applying the extinguisher properly, and can introduce additional risks. If the fire cannot be controlled quickly, evacuate and call emergency services.