Kitchen Safety 101
- Fire Roots
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 11
More than 40% of house fires start in the kitchen, and with the development of new appliances, it is becoming increasingly important to recognize the potential dangers of cooking. From overheated oils to faulty wiring, kitchen fires can ignite in an instant. Being able to understand the type of fire you’re dealing with, as well as which extinguisher to use, can make all the difference between a manageable situation and a life-threatening emergency.
The most common kitchen fires include Class K fires and Class B fires. Class K fires typically start with the combustion of liquid cooking materials, such as oils, and vegetable and animal fats. These oils autoignite when heated to high temperatures, and spread with alarming speed. Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline and gases. They can occur due to fuel leaks from cooking equipment, or improper storage of cleaning solvents.
Depending on the type of fire, a different type of extinguisher is recommended. Using the wrong extinguisher on a fire is ineffective, and may even worsen it. Class K extinguishers are needed for Class K fires, and use a process called saponification to turn oils into a non-flammable soap substance. These extinguishers are a good option for homes that commonly deep-fry items. Class B extinguishers are needed for Class B fires, and use a dry chemical agent to create a barrier between fuel and oxygen. These extinguishers are particularly good for houses that use an outdoor propane stove. Finally, CO2 fire extinguishers are used for fires involving electrical equipment, but may also be used for Class B fires. These extinguishers contain pure carbon dioxide, and displace the oxygen needed for combustion.
Although fire extinguishers are essential for fire safety, a significant portion of households do not have them. They are expensive, and many people lack understanding of their intelligence. Because of this, learning strategies to mitigate kitchen fires are equally important. For grease and oil fires, covering the pan with a lid will help to cut off the oxygen source. Although fanning or blowing on the flames may be your first instinct, this may cause the flames to spread. Instead, try dumping in baking soda. For electrical and appliance fires, keep the appliance closed, and unplug it if possible. Aside from using extinguishers, fire blankets can help smolder small fires, plus– some are reusable!
In general, practicing kitchen safety is key in preventing fires. A few important things to remember include not dumping hot grease in the garbage, not overheating oil, and avoiding using extension cords. When unused, leave appliances unplugged, and make sure to clean them often. Although fires are a daunting reminder of destruction, proper preparation and careful practices can improve your chances of staying safe.
-Written by Anna Zhao
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