Watering burning oil with water can turn your kitchen into a fire trap in a second. Firefighters explain how to react correctly when your pan ignites when cooking.
Up to 66 percent of kitchen fires begin by igniting the pan. A moment of inattention is enough and normal cooking can turn into a dangerous situation. Many people in panic reach for the water, which is the worst possible reaction. Why is it so dangerous and what to do instead? Firefighters have a clear answer.
Why is water for burning oil as an explosive?
Although water is commonly associated with fire extinguishing, it acts as a detonator in the fat fire. When you pour water into a pot of hot oil, there is a dangerous reaction. Water, which is heavier than oil, drops to the bottom of the container, where it gets in contact with the surface heated to more than 300 degrees. In a fraction of a second, it turns into steam and increases its volume up to 1700 times. It’s like someone throwing a small grenade into the pot.
The result? The fire spreads lightly throughout the kitchen and the risk of serious burns will rise dramatically. Firefighters are therefore repeating: we never dwell fat with water!
“Even a small amount of water causes a blast of burning fluid, thereby spreading the fire and can cause painful burns,” the firefighters warn. During the fries of the fries, the oil was ignited. The owner of the apartment tried to extinguish the flames with water, thus spreading the fire lightly to kitchen furniture. Although he managed to extinguish the fire independently, firefighters have no doubt that his reaction could end with a tragedy.
Three verified ways to quench the burning oil
When a fire appears in the kitchen, every second is counted, but there is no room for hasty steps. The worst thing you can do is to panic and act spontaneously. A peaceful response and knowledge of the right procedures can prevent tragedy. So what to do when flames whistle from a pan or pot?
- Cutting off air access. The fire needs oxygen to keep the flame. If we cut it off, it will go out. Therefore, the first and safest step is to reach for a glass or metal lid and carefully cover the container. Attention: the lid must fit close to the edges and must be resistant to high temperature. Do not use anything plastic as it can melt and worsen the situation.
- A damp cloth. If you do not have a lid at hand, a thick, damp kitchen towel or a cotton cloth will prove. Fold it several times, moisten slightly (but do not overdo, it must not drip) and gently place on the container. Moisture will help to suffocate fire and material will limit the air access. Do it slowly and with feelings so that you do not cut the fat.
- Fire extinguisher. The best solution in home kitchen is an ABF fire extinguisher, created specifically for extinguishing burning fats. You can also use regular powdered, but it is less effective in this case.
If the flame is too large, it is expanding or afraid to react, call the emergency number 112. Don’t risk life and health. Firefighters have appropriate equipment, experience and know how to quickly handle the danger.
Finally, the most important rule: never, under no circumstances, try to bring out a burning pot from the kitchen, even if you think of a balcony or sink. Just one step to spill hot fat on yourself, children or floor. Such movement can turn a small incident into a dramatic accident. Keep your head cool and focus on procedures that are verified, effective and safe.
Donate your grandmother. This oil is a natural potion of health. It supports memory and heart, but that’s not all.
