Home Safety Council - How to Handle Kitchen Fires

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How to Handle Kitchen Fires

Most home fires begin in the kitchen. The best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to stay near the stove whenever you are cooking something – especially when frying. Keep your stove and oven clean. Move anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the heat.

Pan Fires

If you have a small pan fire on the stove, put on an oven mitt.

Carefully slide a cookie sheet over the pan. A lid can also be used. This cuts off the oxygen and allows the fire to go down.

Turn off the heat at the burner.

Leave the pan covered and in place. Do not try to move it!

Let the pan cool down before you take away the cookie sheet or lid.

Oven Fires: Turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Call the fire department so that firefighters can check for possible flame spread.

Toaster Oven or Microwave Fires: Keep the door closed. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet. Call the fire department to report the fire. Have the appliance serviced before you use it again or replace it.

Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher: If you know how to safely use a portable fire extinguisher, you may be able to put out a small, contained fire, such as a toaster oven or trash fire. Always call the fire department before fighting the fire and make sure everyone else has left the building. Make sure your exit is not blocked by the fire.