Food & Kitchen
Grease fire in the pan: what to do?
Grease fire in the pan: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.
Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octubre 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Immediate actions
- 1 Turn off the heat immediately.
- 2 Cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames.
- 3 Do not move the pan and never use water.
- 4 Leave the lid on until fully cool.
What not to do / warning
Water on a grease fire causes explosive flames.
When a grease fire in the pan happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.
What to do right now
- Turn off the heat immediately.
- Cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames.
- Do not move the pan and never use water.
- Leave the lid on until fully cool.
Mistakes to avoid
- Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
- Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
- Following unverified advice from the internet.
How to prevent this in the future
Regular checks and keeping important documents and numbers in one safe place go a long way. Note the emergency number for your country and keep it visible at home.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or start the official procedure.
When should I call emergency services?
Whenever there is a risk to life, serious injury or a fire. When in doubt, call and let them decide.
Sources & references
- NFPA (https://www.nfpa.org/)