Why oil catches fire

Contact Us Get Help Now. Mold Remediation. Cleanup Services. Additional Services. Do you know what to do if your cooking oil suddenly catches fire? What do you do if your pan of oil catches fire? What should you avoid if your pan of oil catches fire? Posted in Fire Damage and tagged grease fire , kitchen fire , kitchen safety.

Need expert help? Our Services. Fire Damage. Water Damage. Mold Damage. A grease fire occurs when the oil becomes too hot. When cooking with oil, first it will boil, then it will smoke, and then it will catch on fire.

It could take less than 30 seconds for the smoking oil to catch fire, so never leave your pot or pan unattended. Keep the grease at the recommended temperature. If you do notice the oil start to smoke, turn the heat down. Most oils can start smoking at around degrees Fahrenheit and can ignite approximately degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the area around your stove is clear of combustible materials, like cookbooks or paper towels.

A grease fire can quickly make a turn for the worse if it spreads beyond the stove. If you do ultimately experience a grease fire, turn off the burner, but do not move the pan. For example, an ABC fire extinguisher would be effective and safe to use on a cooking fire.

If you use a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, take steps to clean up the residue properly after everything is said and done. Small, contained grease fires can usually be handled without assistance from the fire department. Always avoid splashing burning grease by moving the pan or using water. This can keep the fire from spreading. Use a metal lid or cookie sheet to seal off air, or extinguish the fire with salt or baking soda.

If you aren't sure what to do, or if the fire becomes out of control, call Cooking fires cause more residential damage each year than other types of home fires. The best way to prevent them in your kitchen is to remove common fire hazards and to understand the flash points for the oils you use. Make sure you're staying safe in the kitchen by:. Keeping your eyes on the stove.

When you're cooking, especially with oil and grease, don't walk away and pay close attention. When hot oils begin to boil and smoke, it's a sign they could ignite and start a grease fire. Don't overheat your oil. Cooking oils should be heated slowly. Do not exceed the flash point for the oil you are using.

Removing combustible materials from the area. Keeping your cooking space clean is important. Always wipe up when pots boil over on the stovetop, and clean your oven if you have food or grease buildup. Keep items like paper towels and recipe books at a safe distance from burners and hot oil. Keep a lid handy. If your cooking pot catches fire, there's no time to hunt for a lid. When you're cooking, keep the lid for your pot on the counter nearby, even if you don't think you'll need it. Knowing where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it.

Having a fire extinguisher in the house won't make a difference if you don't know where it is or how to use it. Examine your fire extinguisher so that you know what type of fires it's designed for.

Always keep a safe distance from the fire when using a fire extinguisher, and spray the fire from the side so it blows away from you. Replace fire extinguishers as directed on their labels. Fires in the kitchen can be scary and dangerous. Because half of all cooking fires are grease fires, it's important to know how to prevent them and how to handle them safely if they occur.

If you have a grease fire in the kitchen, leave the pan where it is and turn off the heat source. Take steps to cut off air to the fire by sliding a cover on top of the pan or using salt or baking soda. Do not ever use water on a grease fire. It's wise to have a class K fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure that you and others in your home know how to properly use it. Call right away if you don't know what to do, or if the fire becomes out of control.

Keeping your cooking space free of combustibles and monitoring your pans closely is very important. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Fire Administration. Cooking fires in residential buildings December Cooking oils and smoke points: What to know and how to choose the right cooking oil.

Updated Sept 25, Brigade Fire Protection.