How to Put Out a Grease Fire (and When to Just Get Out)

Lid, off, leave it, 911

1. Lid. Slide a lid or a baking sheet over the pan to smother the flames. USFA (source, opens in a new tab) NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
2. Off. Turn off the burner. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
3. Leave it. Do not lift the lid to check, and do not carry the pan to the sink or outside. The fire can start again, and moving the pan can cause serious injury or spread the fire. Let it cool for a long time. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) Red Cross (source, opens in a new tab)
4. 911. If the fire is not out, or it spreads beyond the pan, get everyone out, close the door behind you, and call 911 from outside. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

Oven fire

For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) If smoke keeps coming or flames do not die down, get out and call 911.

When to stop fighting it and get out

NFPA's advice is plain: if you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, just get out, close the door behind you to help contain the fire, and call 911 from outside. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) If you do try to fight it, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

A fire extinguisher can help with a small fire that is not spreading, but only if you already know how to use it and everyone else is on their way out. Read how to use a fire extinguisher before you ever need to.

Test yourself

Preventing kitchen fires in the first place

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) From 2020 to 2024, kitchen and cooking equipment was involved in an estimated 48% of home structure fires, 35% of home fire injuries and 16% of home fire deaths. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) Unattended equipment was a factor in a quarter (25%) of reported home cooking fires and half of the deaths. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start when food or other cooking materials catch fire, and ranges or cooktops account for over half (51%). NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

• Stand by your pan. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling. If you leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the burner. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) USFA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Watch the oil. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, turn the burner off or carefully take the pan off the heat; smoke means the oil is too hot. Heat oil slowly, and add food gently so it does not splatter. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Keep a lid beside the pan every time you fry. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Clear the stovetop of oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels and curtains. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Turn pot handles toward the back so no one bumps them or pulls them over. USFA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Sleepy or drinking? Do not use the stove or stovetop. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Kid-free zone. Keep children at least 3 feet from the stove and from where hot food or drink is carried. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

Thanksgiving and the holidays

Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

If your clothes catch fire

Stop, drop to the ground and cover your face, then roll over and over until the flames go out; running makes the fire burn faster. Once the flames are out, cool the burn with water for three to five minutes and get medical attention. Red Cross (source, opens in a new tab)

Frequently asked questions