The safest way to put out hot oil is to cut off its oxygen supply. Here's how, based on best practices and the provided references:
Methods to Extinguish Hot Oil Fires
It's crucial to act quickly and safely when dealing with a hot oil fire. Here are the recommended methods:
1. Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid
- Action: Immediately and carefully slide a metal lid over the pot.
- Reasoning: A fire needs oxygen to burn. Covering the pot effectively cuts off the oxygen supply, causing the fire to extinguish itself quickly.
- Important:
- Use a metal lid only. Glass lids can shatter due to the high heat.
- Do not lift the lid until the pot has cooled completely.
- Reference: "Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid - Fire cannot exist in the absence of oxygen. With the lid on (and the heat off), the fire should quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Use a metal lid since glass will shatter."
2. Pour on Baking Soda
- Action: If the fire is small, carefully pour a generous amount of baking soda onto the flames.
- Reasoning: Baking soda can smother small grease fires.
- Important: This is only effective for small grease fires. If the fire is large, do not attempt this. Use a lid instead, or if that is not possible, call emergency services.
- Reference: "Pour on Baking Soda - Baking soda will extinguish grease fires, but only if they're small."
What NOT to do When Dealing With Hot Oil Fires
- Never Use Water: Water will cause the hot oil to splatter, spreading the fire and potentially causing severe burns.
- Do Not Move the Pot: Moving the pot could spill hot oil and spread the fire.
- Do Not Panic: Stay calm and act quickly using the correct methods.
Quick Action Summary
- Turn off the heat source immediately.
- Cover the pot with a metal lid.
- If small, consider baking soda.
- Never use water.
- If the fire is too big, get out and call emergency services.
