How should you put out a grease fire?

( WHTM) - - With many people in the cooking area cooking Thanksgiving meals, there is always a danger of fires. A lot of kinds of fires can be put out with water, but there is one type of fire that you need to constantly avoid water.

Grease fires happen when cooking oil becomes too hot. If you do not then take it off the heat, the oil will capture fire.

Why can't you utilize water to put out that fire? Oil has less density than water, so when the water comes into contact with a grease fire, the water sinks under the grease, which presses the oil to the surface area.

The water will quickly heat and vaporize. Considering that the water is under the oil, the vaporized water can raise the flaming oil into the air and explode into a ball of grease.

ADT likewise says you must never put out a grease fire with a wet towel or with flour, baking powder, or sugar.

Below are smoke points of typical oils:

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 350 ° F Butter 350 ° F Lard 370 ° F Vegetable oil 400 ° F Canola Oil 400 ° F Peanut Oil 450 ° F Safflower oil 450 ° FCourtesy of Colorado State University data.

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So what should you do if a grease fire happens in your house?

• Turn the heat off and do stagnate the pot or pan.


Fires need oxygen and by smothering the flames, you are cutting off the oxygen supply. Do not utilize a glass lid as they can shatter in extreme heat.


• Your last option would be to use a Class B fire extinguisher. They will put the fire out however will pollute your kitchen area while doing so.



• If the fire gets too large, get out of your home and call 911.

The very best action, though, is to prevent a grease fire in the very first location. Here are some tips:

• Keep your office tidy.
  
  
  
  • Always clean up splattered grease around your stove after cooking. Oil will build up over time and could catch fire.
  
  
  
  



• Heat oil gradually.
  
  
  
  • Do not heat oil on the maximum settings. Let the oil get hot using a lower temperature level.
  
  
  
  



• Keep a cover nearby.
  
  
  
  • Keep a lid on hand in case a fire starts.
  
  
  
  



• Do not leave the stove unattended.
  
  
  
  • When heating oil, always be near the stove. Take it off the heat and wait for it to cool before resuming cooking if you see it begin to smoke.