What should you do if a small kitchen fire starts in a pan?

Question

Pan on fire? Find out the first steps you should take to safely handle a small kitchen pan fire. Learn what to do and what to never do in an emergency.

Answer 1

Smother the fire by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the heat source. Never use water on a grease fire.

Detailed Explanation:

When a small kitchen fire starts in a pan, quick and correct action is crucial to prevent it from spreading. The primary goal is to cut off the fire's oxygen supply. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Stay Calm: Panic can lead to mistakes. Take a deep breath and assess the situation.

2. Cover the Pan: Carefully slide a lid over the pan. Make sure the lid completely covers the pan to effectively smother the flames.

3. Turn Off the Heat: Immediately turn off the burner or heat source. This prevents the fire from reigniting or worsening.

4. Let it Cool: Leave the lid on the pan and allow it to cool completely before removing it. This ensures that the fire is completely extinguished and prevents it from flaring up again when exposed to oxygen.

5. If the Fire Spreads: If the fire spreads beyond the pan, evacuate the area and call emergency services immediately.

Important Note: Never use water on a grease fire. Water will cause the grease to splatter and spread the fire, potentially causing serious burns and making the situation much worse.

Pro Tip:

Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (Class B) in your kitchen and know how to use it. Familiarize yourself with the instructions beforehand so you can react quickly and effectively in an emergency.