Can you have a grease fire on an electric stove?
Home grease fires are more likely on electric stoves. However, the majority of cooking fires are actual food ignitions on the cook top, with most of these being the ignition of cooking oil. As well, many of these fires occur from the oil being overheated before any food was ever added to it.
How do grease fires start?
A grease fire happens when your cooking oil becomes too hot. When heating, oils first start to boil, then they’ll start smoking, and then they’ll catch on fire. Most vegetable oils have a smoking point around 450°F, while animal fats like lard or goose fat will start smoking around 375°F.
What do you do if your electric stove catches on fire?
The first thing you want to do is unplug the device from the power source and call the fire department. Even if you think you can take care of the fire yourself, it’s important to have backup if the flames do get out of control. For small fires, you may be able to use baking soda to smother the flames.
Will flour put out a grease fire?
Do NOT use flour on a grease fire. While sometimes baking soda can extinguish a small grease fire (though not if the fire is too overwhelming), flour cannot and should not be used. Due to chemical risk of contaminating your kitchen, putting out a grease fire with your fire extinguisher should be the last resort.
How do you keep a grease fire from burning on an electric stove?
Tips to prevent grease fires: Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. Remove as much moisture as possible from the food before putting it in hot oil. Do not put frozen foods into hot grease. Keep the grease at the recommended temperature.
How common are grease fires?
Of the 160,000 annual cooking fires, two-thirds (66 percent) started with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Often, these fires are ignited by grease. In an effort to keep your home and community safe, please share these tips with friends and family.
How do you put out a grease fire on a stove?
If a grease fire starts:
- Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet.
- Turn off the heat source.
- If it’s small and manageable, pour baking soda or salt on it to smother the fire.
- As a last resort, spray the fire with a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher.
- Do not try to extinguish the fire with water.
Why did my electric stove top catch fire?
Resistive Coils Need Regular Cleaning An insulating sheath encases the electrical wire that creates the heat in the element. Metal drip bowls sit under the stovetop elements to catch food debris and cooking spills. Cooking equipment is the top cause of home fires and personal injuries from fires.
What are the signs of an electrical fire?
You’ll know if your home is in danger of an electrical fire if you see (or smell) these signs:
- Circuit breaker keeps tripping.
- Persisting burnt smell with no identifiable source.
- Several discolored or charred outlets and switches.
- You have old, outdated wiring.
How do you put out a grease fire on the stove?
Can vinegar put out a grease fire?
Do not use vinegar to put out a grease fire. Stick with dry ingredients like baking soda or salt, which deprive the fire of oxygen.
