How to Put Out a Grease Fire and What to Do If It Damages Your Kitchen

How to Put Out a Grease Fire and What to Do If It Damages Your Kitchen

Grease Fires Are One of the Most Common (and Dangerous) Home Fires

In Reno-Tahoe homes, kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of residential fire damage and grease fires are at the top of that list. Whether you’re cooking in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, or Incline Village, a small pan fire can escalate in seconds, putting your family and property at serious risk.

Knowing how to safely put out a grease fire can prevent injuries and structural damage. But even when the flames are extinguished quickly, smoke, soot, and heat damage often remain, requiring professional fire damage restoration. This guide explains what to do during a grease fire, what not to do, and when to call Restoration 1 of Reno-Tahoe for expert cleanup and repairs.

What Causes Grease Fires in the Kitchen?

Grease fires typically start when cooking oils or fats become overheated and ignite. Common causes include:

• Leaving cooking unattended
• Oil overheating on the stovetop
• Grease buildup on pans, burners, or ovens
• Water splashing into hot oil
• Using the wrong fire extinguisher or reaction method

Because grease burns at extremely high temperatures, these fires spread fast and are difficult to control without proper action.

How to Put Out a Grease Fire Safely

If a grease fire starts, your response in the first few seconds matters most.

What To Do Immediately

1. Turn Off the Heat Source
   If it’s safe, turn off the stove or burner to stop feeding the fire.
   
2. Cover the Flames
3. • Use a metal lid, baking sheet, or fire blanket to smother the fire.
   • Slide the lid on gently, do not drop it.
   • Leave it covered until the pan cools completely.
     
4. Use Baking Soda (Small Fires Only)
   Baking soda can help extinguish small grease fires by releasing carbon dioxide.
   
5. Use a Class K or ABC Fire Extinguisher
   Aim at the base of the fire and follow the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
   
   

What NOT To Do

• Never use water — it causes grease to explode and spread flames
• Do not move the pan — splashing burning oil can cause severe injuries
• Do not use flour or sugar — both are combustible
• Do not fan or blow on the fire

If the fire spreads beyond the pan or you feel unsafe, leave the house immediately and call 911.

After the Fire Is Out: Hidden Damage in Your Kitchen

Even a quickly extinguished grease fire can leave behind serious damage, including:

• Smoke odors embedded in cabinets, walls, and ceilings
• Greasy soot coating surfaces and ventilation systems
• Heat damage to drywall, appliances, and countertops
• Water damage from sprinklers or extinguishers
• Poor indoor air quality from smoke particles

Many homeowners attempt DIY cleanup, but grease smoke residue is sticky, acidic, and difficult to remove without professional equipment.

Why DIY Cleanup Often Isn’t Enough

Household cleaners may remove visible soot, but they don’t eliminate smoke odor or microscopic residue. Left untreated, this can cause:

• Persistent smoke smells
• Staining and corrosion
• Mold growth from moisture used during cleanup
• Reduced home value and insurance issues
  
  

This is when homeowners start searching for “fire damage restoration near me” or “smoke cleanup services Reno” and for good reason.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration for Kitchens

At Restoration 1 of Reno-Tahoe, we provide complete kitchen fire damage restoration services, including:

• Emergency board-up and safety stabilization
• Soot and grease residue removal
• Smoke odor neutralization
• Air quality improvement
• Drywall, cabinet, and appliance restoration
• Insurance claim assistance

Our certified technicians understand the unique construction and climate challenges of homes in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Dayton, Verdi, Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Incline Village.

When to Call a Fire Damage Restoration Company

You should contact a professional restoration company if:

• Smoke odor remains after cleaning
• Soot is visible on walls, cabinets, or ceilings
• Cabinets or drywall feel warped or discolored
• Water was used to extinguish the fire
• Your insurance company requires documentation

Searching for “fire damage restoration Reno-Tahoe” or “kitchen fire cleanup near me” is often the first step homeowners take and acting quickly can significantly reduce repair costs.

How to Prevent Future Grease Fires

Prevention is the best protection:

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Keep a metal lid or fire blanket nearby
• Clean grease buildup regularly
• Use a thermometer when frying
• Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen

These small steps can prevent a minor incident from becoming a major disaster.

Fast Action Protects Your Home and Your Family

Grease fires are fast, frightening, and dangerous but knowing how to respond can save lives. If your kitchen has already been affected by fire, smoke, or soot, don’t rely on surface-level cleaning alone.

Restoration 1 of Reno-Tahoe is your trusted local expert for fire damage restoration, smoke odor removal, and kitchen cleanup. Our team is available 24/7 to restore your home safely and efficiently.

📞 Call (775) 546-0029 today for a free inspection and let us help you get your home back to normal fast and professionally.