Kitchen Grease Fires

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Most start on the stovetop when food or oil is left unattended. Water on a grease fire can make flames explode, so knowing the right response matters.

• Families
• Renters
• Cooks

Prevent cooking fires

• Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling. Turn the stove off if you leave, even for a moment.
• Use a timer when simmering, baking or roasting, and stay home.
• Keep flammable items such as towels, paper, wooden spoons, curtains and packaging 3 feet away from the stove.
• Wear snug sleeves and tie back loose clothing and hair.
• Do not overfill pans with oil. Heat oil slowly and dry food before adding it to prevent splatter.
• Use a thermometer for deep frying and keep oil below its smoke point. If it smokes, turn down the heat.
• Clean grease from the stove, hood and oven regularly.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the cooking area. See Kitchen Safety.
• Have working smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher. See Smoke & CO Alarms and Home Fire Extinguishers.

If grease catches fire

1. Turn off the heat if you can do so safely.
2. Slide a lid over the pan (or a cookie sheet) from the side to smother the flames. Wear an oven mitt. Leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.
3. For a small fire, you can pour baking soda or salt (not flour, sugar or baking powder) on it.
4. If you have a Class K or ABC extinguisher and know how to use it, aim at the base using the PASS method from a safe distance.
5. If the fire spreads, or you are in doubt, get out, close the door and call 911 from outside. See Home Fire Escape.

• Never pour water on a grease fire. It sinks, turns to steam and spreads burning oil.
• Do not carry the burning pan outside or to the sink.
• Do not use a wet towel or fan the flames.

Oven and microwave fires

• Oven fire: keep the door closed and turn off the oven. Do not open it. If the fire does not go out, leave and call 911
• Microwave fire: keep the door closed, unplug it if safe and do not open it until the fire is out
• Clothing fire: stop, drop and roll, cool burns with water and get medical care. See Burn First Aid

Last updated: October 8, 2026