Which action is recommended to control a small grease fire?

• A. Pour water on it
• B. Put a lid on it
• C. Shake flour on it
• D. Place it in the fridge

Answer: (B)

When a grease fire starts, the key is to cut off the flames’ oxygen supply and cool the oil. Placing a metal lid over the pan does this: it smothers the fire, depriving it of air and letting the oil cool until the flames go out.

Pouring water on a grease fire is dangerous because water can sink beneath the burning oil, instantly turn to steam, and splash burning oil around, often making the fire bigger. Sprinkling flour isn’t reliable either and can be unsafe since flour is a combustible dust and could ignite or spread the fire. Putting the pan in the fridge doesn’t affect the fire and won’t stop it.

If you can safely cover it with a lid and the flames go out, let everything cool before moving the pan. If the fire keeps burning or you’re unsure, evacuate and call for help or use a properly rated extinguisher if you’ve been trained to do so.