Do’s and Don’ts of a Grease Fire

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

If you have a grease fire in your San Antonio home, it is important to know what to do and not do.

Grease fires can be extremely devastating and can cause serious damage to your home and personal belongings. A grease fire occurs when cooking oil or fat overheats and ignites. These fires can spread quickly and are difficult to extinguish, making them particularly dangerous.

Do:

When faced with a fire, call 911 immediately. Do not delay in seeking help. If you are able to do so safely, get everyone out of the house and wait for the fire department to arrive. If not, make sure that you get out yourself and then call 911 as soon as possible.

If you have time, try to move away from potential hazards such as walls or other flammable materials before attempting to put out the flames.

If there is a grease fire in your kitchen or another area where it would be difficult to evacuate everyone safely, keep an extinguisher nearby at all times just in case an emergency arises where one would be needed. When using a fire extinguisher, remember to aim at the base of the flames. You will need to spray the fire until it is completely out.

If you are unfamiliar with how to use a fire extinguisher, make sure that you get training before attempting an emergency response. If you do not know what kind of fire extinguisher to use or how to actually operate it, leave the area and call 911 instead.

Don’t:

Do not use water to put out a grease fire—this will only spread the flames! Instead, grab a lid or baking pan and slide it over a small grease fire in your pan or pot. Put on oven mitts and remove any other nearby items that could catch fire (such as paper towels) before sliding the lid over the top of the pan/pot with confidence; be sure not to drop it into your burning oil!

If you find yourself in a situation where there is a grease fire, do not panic. Try to remain calm and assess the situation. If you can do this without panicking, then your chances of successfully extinguishing the fire will be much higher. 

If you have a grease fire in your San Antonio home, it is important to know what to do and not do. You should never try to put out a fire with water or any other liquid. The best response is to stay calm and call 911 as soon as possible. When it comes to cleaning up your home and contents after a fire, give SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio a call and we’ll be out to help clean up and restore your home in no time.