Kitchen fire: what to do¶

Most kitchen fires start small, and a small fire can grow fast. This page shows you how to handle a grease fire, an oven fire, and a microwave fire, and how to tell when it is time to leave.

Do this now¶

1. If the fire is bigger than a small pan, or you have any doubt, get everyone out of the home and close the door behind you.
2. Call your local emergency number from outside (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom).
3. For a small fire in a pan, slide a lid over it and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on.
4. For a fire inside an oven or microwave, turn off the heat or unplug it, and keep the door shut.
5. Never throw water on a grease fire.
6. Do not go back inside for belongings, pets, or anything else.

Grease fire in a pan¶

Grease fires start when oil or fat gets too hot. Water makes them worse, because it sinks, turns to steam, and throws burning oil across the kitchen.

• Turn off the burner if you can reach it safely.
• Slide a lid over the pan from the side. This cuts off the air and smothers the flames.
• Leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool. Lifting it early can let the fire flare up again.
• Do not carry the pan, even to the sink or outside. Spilled burning oil spreads the fire and burns you.

If the flames do not go out right away, or they spread to cabinets, curtains, or the wall, leave and call for help.

... danger "Never use water or flour" Do not use water on a grease fire. Do not throw flour or sugar on it either, because they can burn.

Oven fire¶

If food catches fire inside the oven, turn the oven off and keep the door closed. With the door shut, the fire runs out of air and often goes out on its own.

Do not open the door to check. Wait until the oven is fully cool, then stand to one side and open it slowly. If flames come out of the oven, or you see smoke pouring from around the door, leave the home and call for help.

Microwave fire¶

Keep the door closed and unplug the microwave if you can reach the plug without reaching across flames. Do not open the door until the fire is out and the oven has cooled. Never put the microwave back in use after a fire. Have it checked or replaced.

Fire on your clothing¶

If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll on the floor to put it out. Cover your face with your hands as you roll. Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes and get medical help. See burns for details.

Using a fire extinguisher¶

Fire extinguishers are for small fires only, and only if you have a clear way out behind you. If you are not sure how to use one, leave instead. Fire departments and Red Cross courses teach hands on practice.

Remember the word PASS:

1. Pull the pin.
2. Aim the nozzle low, at the base of the flames.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.

Stand a safe distance away. Fire safety bodies advise standing at least 2 meters (6 feet) from a grease fire when you use an extinguisher, because a strong spray can splash burning oil. Only extinguishers marked for cooking oils (Class K in the United States) are rated for grease fires. A general purpose extinguisher may be used on other kitchen fires, and the label will say which types of fire it covers.

... warning "When in doubt, get out" A small flame can become a large fire in under 30 seconds. If the fire is spreading, if smoke is filling the room, or if the extinguisher runs out, leave at once. Your life matters more than the kitchen.

When to get out¶

Leave the home and call for help if:

• the fire is outside the pan or oven
• flames reach cabinets, curtains, or the ceiling
• smoke is thick or you start to cough
• you cannot put out the fire in a few seconds
• you feel unsure about any of it

Close the kitchen door behind you if you can do so without delay. A closed door slows smoke and flames. Meet at your planned spot outside and count everyone. Do not go back in for any reason. See what to do in a house fire for the full escape steps.

After the fire¶

Even when the fire is out, call the fire department if you are unsure that it is fully out or if anything around the stove was scorched. Open windows to clear smoke. Do not use the stove, oven, or microwave again until a professional checks it. If anyone breathed smoke or has burns, get medical care.

Prevent kitchen fires¶

• Stay in the kitchen while you fry, grill, or broil
• Turn off the stove if you leave, even for a moment
• Keep towels, paper, and packaging away from burners
• Wear short or close fitting sleeves when you cook
• Keep an extinguisher in the kitchen, where you can reach it from an exit

Related guides¶

• What to do in a house fire
• Burns: first aid
• Carbon monoxide
• Emergency kit
• Emergency numbers