One of the first rules that every cook needs to learn, whether outdoors or otherwise, is that oil and water do not mix; the molecules of each substance prefer to bond with themselves. This simple rule is crucial to remember at all times, especially in the event of a grease fire. Many people’s initial reaction to a grease fire when cooking is to douse it with water, but in this case, water will not only fail to immediately stop the fire, it might even make it worse. So how do you extinguish a grease fire when water is not an option?
You want to contain the fire first and foremost, so get it covered with some kind of lid, like a metal lid or a cookie sheet. Never use a glass lid to cover a grease fire. The glass can heat, expand and explode which may spread the fire and shower the area with broken glass. Remember to use an oven mitt to protect skin from the heat. Place the cover completely over the oil container. A proper fitting lid will starve the fire of oxygen and end it relatively quickly.
Baking soda is an alternative way to smother a grease fire. Simply pour the baking soda onto the fire until the source is entirely covered. Eventually, the lack of oxygen will stop combustion as the soda is non-flammable. Never use another baking powder, like flour or corn starch. These products can actually help feed the fire; only baking soda has the properties to extinguish it.
Every kitchen should have an appropriate fire extinguisher, and that goes for outdoor settings as well. In America, this is a Class K fire extinguisher. For European and Australian readers, this is a Class F device. The class denotes that the contents of the extinguisher are designed to specifically put out a grease fire. The chemicals are not a direct threat to humans, however all of the kitchen equipment will need to be cleaned and food disposed of after contact with the extinguisher contents.
Never try to move the object that contains the grease. You could risk spilling the grease on yourself, causing severe grease burns, or onto another area, spreading the fire further. Wait until the fire is completely extinguished before you attempt to move it anywhere.
Ultimately, whenever you are cooking oil over a heat source, you need to remain in the same area for the duration. Many grease fires start because they are unattended and reach a flaming point, even in just a matter of minutes. Keeping an eye on the pan will let you act immediately if you see the oil start to smoke or otherwise indicate that it is too hot, or the area you’re cooking in is not completely safe.
Featured Image from Bryan Forsyth/Shutter Stock
