To safely extinguish an oil fryer fire, it's crucial to avoid using water, which can cause dangerous splattering. Here's how to handle it effectively:
Safe Methods for Extinguishing an Oil Fryer Fire
The key is to cut off the fire's oxygen supply or use a fire-suppressing agent designed for grease fires.
Using a Kitchen Fire Extinguisher
- Type: Ensure the extinguisher is a Class K type, specifically designed for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.
- Usage: Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames, using short bursts to avoid scattering the burning oil.
- Always call the fire department as fire extinguishers are designed to suppress a fire, not fully extinguish it.
Covering the Fryer with a Metal Lid
- Immediate Action: Quickly and carefully slide a metal lid over the fryer to cut off the oxygen supply.
- Don't Lift the Lid: Keep the lid in place until the fryer has completely cooled down. Lifting it prematurely could reignite the fire.
- No Glass Lids: Avoid using glass lids, as they can shatter due to the heat.
Additional Precautions
- Never use water. As the reference notes, water can cause flaming oil to splatter and spread the fire, creating a much more dangerous situation.
- Never move the fryer. This can also cause the flaming oil to splash.
- Turn off the heat source, if safe to do so.
- If the fire grows out of control, evacuate and call emergency services immediately.
What Not to Do
| Action | Why it's Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Using water | Can cause the hot oil to splatter, intensifying and spreading the fire. |
| Moving the fryer | Spilling hot, flaming oil can spread the fire and cause burns. |
| Using a glass lid | It could shatter from the heat and potentially spread the fire or create dangerous shards. |
| Using flour or baking soda | While these may have some fire-suppressing qualities, they are not as effective as a class k fire extinguisher or a lid, and can spread easily |
By following these steps, you can increase your safety in the event of an oil fryer fire. Remember, prevention is always the best strategy! Always stay nearby when using a fryer, never overfill the fryer, and keep the surrounding area clean and free of flammable materials.
