You wanted perfectly crispy bacon. Instead, the pan suddenly bursts into flames. Your first instinct might be to grab a glass of water, but that could turn a small kitchen fire into a dangerous explosion within seconds.
Grease fires happen when cooking oil becomes so hot that it ignites. Before catching fire, the oil usually starts to smoke heavily. If the heat continues to rise, the oil can burst into flames on its own. Once that happens, the fire burns extremely hot and can quickly spread to nearby cabinets, towels, or curtains.
Throwing water on burning grease is the worst mistake you can make. Water instantly sinks beneath the hot oil and turns into steam. That rapid expansion blasts burning grease out of the pan, sending flames across the kitchen and increasing the risk of serious burns or a much larger fire.
If the fire is still small, use baking soda or salt instead. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, helping to reduce the oxygen feeding the flames. Salt works by absorbing heat and smothering the fire. Pour enough to completely cover the burning grease. Never use flour or baking powder, as both can make the fire even worse.
If you cannot safely use baking soda or salt, carefully place a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply. Then turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it has completely cooled.
The best way to avoid a grease fire is to never leave hot oil unattended. Oil can go from smoking to burning in less than a minute, so staying in the kitchen while cooking is one of the easiest ways to prevent a dangerous situation.
If the flames continue to grow, use a Class K fire extinguisher if one is available. Aim at the base of the fire and sweep from side to side until the flames are out. But if the fire begins spreading beyond the pan or fills the room with smoke, leave the house immediately, make sure everyone else gets out safely, and call emergency services.
A grease fire can become life threatening in just moments, but staying calm and using the right method can stop a small fire from turning into a devastating one. Remember the most important rule of all: never pour water on burning grease.
