The Fire Service usually recommends that if you have a fire in the kitchen, don’t take any risks, get everyone out of your home and call the Fire and Rescue Service. If you’re not sure you can handle the fire or if it is spreading from its starting point then it is almost certainly already too big and you should leave the building. If you cannot deal with the fire, close the door on the way out, and call 000.
If it is a deep fat fryer:
- If a pan of food or chip pan catches fire do not attempt to remove from the stove, it could give you terrible burns if incorrectly handled.
- Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, but never lean over the pan to the controls, switch off the supply at the meter if necessary.
- Never throw water over it.
- Don’t use a general fire extinguisher on a pan filled with oil or fat. The ONLY fire extinguishers safe for deep fat fryers are wet chemical extinguishers, special ABF classed extinguishers and ‘dry’ water mist extinguishers! Never use traditional foam or powder extinguishers on burning fat or oil.
- If you use wet chemical extinguishers, make sure you empty the entire content of the extinguisher on the oil, even if the flames have been doused already! This prevents re-ignition.
- Leave the pan to cool completely.
- Dial 000 and call the Fire and Rescue Service
If electric appliances are involved:
- Pull the plug out or switch off power at the fuse box. This may stop the fire immediately.
- Smother the fire with a fire blanket, or use a carbon dioxide extinguisher if available. Foam Extinguishers can be used as well.
- Dial 000 and call the Fire and Rescue Service.
