Keep a Class K fire extinguisher accessible but away from the stove, and never use water on a grease fire because it can make the situation worse. For a small pan fire that you can approach safely, the guidance is to cover it with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen, instead of tryi…

Keep a Class K fire extinguisher accessible but away from the stove, and never use water on a grease fire because it can make the situation worse.

For a small pan fire that you can approach safely, the guidance is to cover it with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen, instead of trying to move the pan or douse it with liquid.

These simple placement and response habits are paired with the reminder to check your extinguisher regularly and remember the PASS steps: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle.

The instructions also stress that your safety comes first if a kitchen fire starts to get out of control. If the flames grow beyond a small pan fire or your escape route is blocked, the direction is clear: evacuate immediately and call emergency services rather than continuing to fight the fire yourself.

Together, these points form a focused approach to handling grease fires and other cooking-related flare-ups, combining extinguisher readiness, safe ways to smother small fires, and a clear decision point for when to stop trying to control the situation and get out.

By following these specific steps, you rely on tools and techniques suited to grease fires and leave larger, spreading fires to trained responders.