Kitchen Grease Fire Basics

Kitchen fire safety begins before anything ignites. Keep a Class K extinguisher, designed for cooking oils and fats, accessible but away from the stove so reaching it won’t require approaching flames. Check it regularly and follow its instructions. For a small, contained pan fire you can safely approach, slide a metal lid over the pan and turn off the heat if safe. Leave the lid in place until everything cools. Never move the burning pan or add water.

If an extinguisher is needed, use it only if you know how, the fire remains small, and a clear exit is behind you. Remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle. If flames spread or you cannot act safely, get everyone out and call emergency services from outside. Don’t delay evacuation to save cookware or belongings. A kitchen can be replaced; the people inside cannot.