Kitchen Grease Fire: What to Do

By Ishaq Hassan. Updated October 3, 2026. 3 min read.

Short answer: Turn off the heat, then smother the flames by sliding a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan. For a very small fire, baking soda or salt can help. Never use water, never try to carry the pan outside, and never use flour. If the fire spreads or you are unsure, get everyone out and call 911.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, and grease fires are among the most dangerous. They spread fast and water makes them explode. Knowing what to do in the first seconds of a grease fire can prevent serious injury and damage.

Never throw water on a grease fire. Water sinks under the oil, turns to steam instantly and throws burning grease across the kitchen.

What to do

Turn off the burner.
Slide a metal lid or a baking sheet over the pan to cut off oxygen. Leave it in place until the pan has cooled.
For a very small fire, pour on plenty of baking soda or salt.
Use a Class K or a multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher if the fire does not go out.
If the fire spreads beyond the pan, get everyone out, close the door behind you and call 911 from outside.

Illustration of charred kitchen cabinets and counters blackened by smoke above a stove — Kitchen fires leave heavy smoke residue on cabinets and walls.

What never to do

Do not use water
Do not use flour, which can ignite
Do not carry or move the pan, which spills burning oil
Do not open the oven door on an oven fire. Turn it off and keep it closed
Do not use a glass lid, which can shatter from heat

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How to prevent grease fires

Stay in the kitchen while frying
Heat oil slowly and watch for smoke, which means it is too hot
Keep a lid and a baking sheet near the stove
Keep towels, paper and packaging away from burners
Clean grease off the stovetop and range hood filter
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it

Illustration of a living room with smoke stained walls and a gray film over the furniture — Smoke travels through the home and stains rooms that never saw a flame.

After a grease fire

Even a small grease fire can leave a greasy, smelly residue on cabinets, walls and ceilings, and smoke can spread through the home. This protein and grease residue needs degreasing cleaners, and odor can linger. If the fire damaged cabinets, wiring or walls, or smoke spread beyond the kitchen, call a fire restoration company. Read how to get rid of smoke smell and about smoke damage cleanup.

Illustration of black soot spreading up a wall and across the ceiling above an outlet — Soot often gathers around outlets, vents and ceilings, far from the flames.

Illustration of a kitchen with smoke and soot above the stove and a boarded up window — Smoke and soot travel well beyond the room where a fire starts.

Quick answers

How do you put out a grease fire?

Turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid or baking sheet. Use baking soda or a Class K or ABC extinguisher if needed.

Can you put water on a grease fire?

No. Water causes burning oil to explode and spread.

Can I use flour on a grease fire?

No. Flour can ignite and make the fire worse.

What kind of fire extinguisher is best for the kitchen?

A multipurpose ABC extinguisher, or a Class K extinguisher for cooking oils.

Who cleans up after a kitchen fire?

A fire damage restoration company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide covered grease fire. For more background, see the National Fire Protection Association, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.

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