How to Properly Handle a Grease Fire

The holidays are here again, and with them are all the cooking preparations that need to be performed for various celebrations and gatherings. As Thanksgiving nears, it is vital to be reminded about fire safety, especially that according a report by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), cooking was the leading cause of all residential building fires and injuries from 2014 to 2016. Forty-seven (47) percent of these reported fires were caused by ignited oil, fat, and cooking grease.

How to Handle Grease Fires

• Bucket
• Floor covering
• Ladder
• Liquid dishwashing soap (not detergent)
• Paint (for touchups)
• Sponge/sponge mop
• Soft brush
• Warm water
• White Vinegar

1. Cover the kitchen floor with old towels or plastic to prevent more damage from occurring.
2. Using a bucket, mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a squirt of dishwashing soap per quart of warm water.
3. After mixing, submerge a sponge or sponge mop into the solution and wring out excess liquid.
4. Gently scrub all affected surfaces including walls, ceilings, countertops and cabinets in a back-and-forth motion. Use a soft brush for grease-covered areas. Do this until the smell is completely removed and surfaces are clean.
5. Rinse sponge after scrubbing and throw the used water out. Fill the bucket with clean, warm water. 
6. Remove the plastic or old towels used to cover the floor. Give the floor a good scrubbing. 
7. Completely dry all surfaces and wait for the professionals to arrive. Use a fresh coat of paint to cover persistent stains; however, this step must not be done if all odors haven't been completely removed.

Grease Fire? 

•  Atlanta
• Roswell
• Sandy Springs
• Decatur
• Stockbridge
• Conyers
• McDonough
• Stone Mountain
• Covington
• Social Circle
• Dekalb County