Which material is best for extinguishing a kitchen fire involving grease?

Which material is best for extinguishing a kitchen fire involving grease?

• A. Water
• B. Flour
• C. Baking soda
• D. Cooking oil

Answer: (C)

When a grease fire starts, the goal is to smother the flames and cut off the fire’s supply of oxygen. Baking soda does this effectively because, when heated, it releases carbon dioxide and helps blanket the flames, suffocating the fire. That makes it the best improvised option among common kitchen items for a small grease fire. Water should never be used on a grease fire; pouring it on hot oil causes the oil to explode into flames and spread. Flour isn’t reliable and can be dangerous, sometimes igniting or creating a dusty, combustible cloud. Cooking oil is the fuel feeding the fire, so adding more of it would worsen the situation. If it’s safe, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames. If the fire is growing or you’re not sure you can safely control it, evacuate and call emergency services, or use a properly rated fire extinguisher for grease fires.

When a grease fire starts, the goal is to smother the flames and cut off the fire’s supply of oxygen. Baking soda does this effectively because, when heated, it releases carbon dioxide and helps blanket the flames, suffocating the fire. That makes it the best improvised option among common kitchen items for a small grease fire. Water should never be used on a grease fire; pouring it on hot oil causes the oil to explode into flames and spread. Flour isn’t reliable and can be dangerous, sometimes igniting or creating a dusty, combustible cloud. Cooking oil is the fuel feeding the fire, so adding more of it would worsen the situation. If it’s safe, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames. If the fire is growing or you’re not sure you can safely control it, evacuate and call emergency services, or use a properly rated fire extinguisher for grease fires.