Out of the 164,500 kitchen fires that occur in houses each year, the majority of those are grease fires that ignite in the kitchen. A grease fire can cause damage to the stove, to the floor if hot grease is spilled and burn down a house if not contained. How does a grease fire happen and what can you do?  

First, what can cause a grease fire? 

• A collection of grease in the range hood.
• Grease on the outside of a pan that is used to cook.
• Spilled grease on a stove burner or in an oven. 

• If what is in a pan catches fire, put a lid on the pan. That will take away the oxygen from the fire and it will eventually stop burning.
• Turn off the stove and let the pan cool. Never try to move a hot pan that just had a small grease fire. Let it cool first.
• If what is in the oven catches fire, turn it off and close the door. Don't try to take anything out. If the fire continues to burn after a second, call the fire department.
• If the range hood catches fire, call the fire department.
• Use a fire extinguisher, but ensure it is one that is rated for grease fires.
• Never put water on a grease fire. It will splash hot grease, which can spread the fire. 

• Each year, clean the range hood, including removing the filter and cleaning it or replacing it. Clean with something like Dawn that cuts grease easily.
• Thoroughly clean pans so grease is no longer present.
• If grease is spilled on a stove or oven, clean with a cleaner that is made to clean up grease. Dawn is one type of soap that can be used.
• Don't cook oil on high heat and know the heat ratings for the oil you are using. If oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and carefully move the pan.
• If adding food to grease, be careful about splatters.
• If deep frying, ensure your pan is deep enough for the oil and the food.