Last Updated on July 30, 2025 by The Insurance Pros

🔥 How to Prevent Grease Fires in Your Kitchen

Grease fires can ignite in seconds, and they’re one of the leading causes of home fires. While they’re especially common around holidays like Thanksgiving, grease fires can happen year-round. Whether you’re frying chicken or sautéing vegetables, understanding how to prevent and respond to grease fires is essential for every Michigan homeowner.

What Causes Grease Fires?

Grease fires typically start when cooking oil becomes too hot. When oil reaches its smoke point, it can combust and catch fire. Splashing water, overheated pans, and unattended cooking all increase the danger. Once a grease fire starts, it spreads fast, and using the wrong method to extinguish it can worsen it.

🔥 Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Grease Fires

  • Never leave hot oil unattended on the stove or fryer.
  • Don’t overfill pans or fryers with oil—it can spill and ignite.
  • Always thaw meat before frying—ice and hot oil are a dangerous mix.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature and stay below the smoke point.
  • Keep cooking areas clear of paper towels, curtains, or flammable items.

🧯 What to Do if a Grease Fire Starts

Infographic showing how to prevent grease fires in the kitchen with cooking tips, safety reminders, and emergency actions.If a grease fire breaks out:

  • Turn off the heat immediately.
  • Do not use water; it can cause the fire to explode.
  • Cover the fire with a metal lid or baking sheet to smother it.
  • Use a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (Class B or K).
  • If the fire is out of control, evacuate and call 911.

📥 Download the Grease Fire Prevention Checklist

Want a printable version? Use our free PDF checklist to review safety steps and post it in your kitchen.

📄 Download Grease Fire Safety Checklist (PDF)

📌 Related Post: Fire Safety Essentials

For more tools to keep your home safe, check out our post on Top Fire Safety Tools for 2025—including fire blankets, smoke alarms, and more.