Dealing with a fire in the kitchen

COOKING SAFETY: Dealing with a Fire in the Kitchen


The first rule is get out if you're not sure you can handle the fire. If it's spread from its starting point then it's almost certainly already too big.

But if a pan catches fire:

Don't move it (it could give you terrible burns).

Turn off the heat if it's safe to do so - but never lean over the pan to the controls.

Never throw water over it. Want to see what could happen? Click here to see a 'Live Fire demo'

Run a cloth under the tap, wring it out carefully, and cover the flaming pan.

If you have a fire blanket, put it over the pan.

Don't use a fire extinguisher on a pan filled with oil.

Leave the pan to cool completely.

If you can't deal with the fire, close the door on the way out and call 999.

If it's an electrical fire:

Pull the plug out or switch off the power at the fusebox. This may stop the fire immediately.

Smother the fire with a fire blanket, or use a dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguisher.

Never use water on it.