If a SMALL grease or oil fire starts in a skillet on the stove, there are two common kitchen ingredients you can reach for to help.
Pouring BAKING SODA on a small oil or grease fire can help to extinguish it. This is because when baking soda is heated it’s chemical composition changes causing it to release carbon dioxide, cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire and essentially smothering it.
Another ingredient that usually is sitting right on your kitchen table is SALT. Similar to baking soda, when added to a small grease or oil fire salt will create a barrier between the fire and oxygen.
HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED? A lot. It is best to use these ingredients for grease or oil fires that are contained in a pot or skillet and are not growing or spreading quickly. You need enough of each of these ingredients to completely cover the fire.
DOES HOW YOU POUR THESE INGREDIENTS ON THE FIRE MATTER? YES. Pour from above, not the side as this can cause the fire to leap out the back of the pan and spread elsewhere.
Wait for the flames to stop and smoke to subside before cleaning up.
