Last Updated on February 6, 2023
When it comes to cooking with a deep fat fryer, most people think of delicious and comforting food. But what happens when something goes wrong? If you’re faced with a fire caused by your deep fat fryer, don’t panic! Knowing how to put out a deep fat fryer fire is an important skill that everyone should know – just in case the worst happens. In this blog post we’ll take you through all the steps needed to effectively put out a deep fat fryer fire safely and efficiently. We’ll look at assessing the situation, choosing the right type of extinguisher for dealing with oil fires, putting out the flames and handling any aftermath correctly too.
Table of Contents:
- Assessing the Situation
- Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
- Putting Out the Fire
- Aftermath
- FAQs in Relation to How to Put Out a Deep Fat Fryer Fire
- Conclusion
Assessing the Situation
When it comes to a deep fat fryer fire, the most important thing is assessing the situation before attempting to put out the flames. It’s essential that you take into account your safety and wellbeing first and foremost. Before tackling any kind of fire, ask yourself these questions:
- Is there anyone in danger? If so, evacuate them immediately.
- What type of fire is it? Is it an electrical or grease-based one?
- Are there combustible materials nearby that could catch alight if not dealt with quickly?
- Do I have access to a suitable extinguisher or other means of putting out the blaze?
- Can I reach all areas affected by the fire safely without endangering myself further?
The next step is actually putting out the flames; make sure everyone has been evacuated from premises beforehand though. When using an extinguisher always aim at the base of flame rather than directly onto centre – do not stand too close when doing so as hot steam may be released from burning fats/oils upon contact with cold liquid from extinguisher. Keep spraying until all visible signs of flame have disappeared (this usually takes around 10 seconds) before checking area again for any remaining embers which may reignite later on – douse those accordingly too just in case.
Finally, once everything has been extinguished, check over the equipment used during the process (e.g., smoke alarm/extinguishers etc.) to make sure they haven’t sustained any damage due to heat exposure during the incident. Replace anything found damaged straight away as they won’t function properly otherwise, leaving premises vulnerable should another emergency arise down the line.
Next, it’s important to choose the right fire extinguisher for the job.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
When it comes to fire safety, having the right extinguisher is essential. There are several types of fire extinguishers available and knowing which one to use in different situations can help you protect your home or business from a potential disaster.
The most common type of fire extinguisher is the ABC dry chemical extinguisher. This type of extinguisher uses an agent that smothers flames and cools burning materials. It’s effective on all three classes of fires: A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids) and C (electrical). However, this type of extinguisher isn’t suitable for deep fat fryer fires as it may spread the hot oil around instead of putting out the flames.
For deep fat fryer fires, you should use a Class K wet chemical fire extinguisher. These contain potassium acetate-based solutions that react with heat to form a foam blanket over burning fats and oils, cooling them down quickly while also creating a barrier between oxygen and fuel sources so that combustion stops immediately upon contact with the foam. The wet chemical agent also helps prevent re-ignition by forming an impermeable film over any remaining hot surfaces once extinguished.
Putting Out the Fire
When it comes to putting out a deep fat fryer fire, the most important thing is safety. It’s essential that you know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly and safely before attempting to put out any kind of blaze.
The first step is to make sure everyone in the vicinity of the fire is safe and evacuate if necessary. Once you have done this, assess the situation and decide whether or not it’s safe for you to attempt using an extinguisher on your own. If there are too many flames or smoke present, call emergency services immediately.
Once ready, hold down firmly onto the handle with one hand while pointing the nozzle towards the base of the flames with your other hand; never point directly at people or animals nearby. Squeeze gently but firmly on both levers simultaneously until they click into place which will release a jet of foam or powder onto whatever is burning below – keep squeezing until all visible signs of flame have been extinguished (this could take up to 10 seconds). Make sure not to move around during this process so that no stray particles escape outside of what needs treating – remember: safety first.
Finally, turn off any gas supply valves connected nearby before leaving, completely satisfied knowing that you have successfully put out a deep fat fryer fire without anyone getting hurt.
Aftermath
Dispose of Damaged Items
It is important to dispose of any items that have been damaged by the fire, such as food or kitchenware. If possible, take photos of the damage for insurance purposes. Place all damaged items in a sealed plastic bag and discard them in an outdoor trash bin.
Air Out the Area
Open windows and doors to air out the area where the fire occurred. This will help reduce smoke odours and allow fresh air into your home or garden space. It may also be necessary to use fans or dehumidifiers to further remove smoke from the area if needed.
Check for Hot Spots and Smouldering Embers
Once you’ve disposed of any damaged items and aired out the area, it is important to check for hot spots or smouldering embers that could reignite a fire if left unchecked. Use a flashlight to inspect hard-to-reach areas like behind cabinets, appliances, etc., looking for any signs of heat or smoke coming from these areas. If you find anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.
FAQs in Relation to How to Put Out a Deep Fat Fryer Fire
What fire extinguisher for deep fat fryer?
When it comes to deep fat fryers, the best fire extinguisher to use is a Class K extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is specifically designed for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats. It works by cooling the burning oil or fat and smothering the flames with foam, making it an effective tool in preventing further damage. Additionally, Class K extinguishers are easy to use as they come with clear instructions on how to operate them correctly. To ensure safety when using your deep fat fryer, make sure you have a Class K fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
Will flour put out a grease fire?
No, flour will not put out a grease fire. Grease fires are caused by combustible cooking oils and fats that have been heated to their flash point. Flour is not an effective extinguishing agent for these types of fires as it can actually make the flames worse due to its high starch content. The best way to extinguish a grease fire is with baking soda or salt which smothers the flames and cools down the burning oil or fat. Never use water on a grease fire as this could cause the hot oil to splatter and spread the fire even further.
Conclusion
Learning how to put out a deep fat fryer fire is important for you and your family’s safety. Knowing how to assess the situation and choose the right fire extinguisher for this type of emergency ensures that you are able to put out the fire quickly and safely. After putting out the deep fat fryer fire, make sure to take all necessary precautions such as unplugging any appliances or turning off gas lines before leaving the area. Taking these steps will help prevent future fires from occurring in your home or garden.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.