How to?Reviewed: 2025-12-27~1 min

Should You Use a Fire Extinguisher During a Kitchen Grease Fire at Home?

Short answer

⚠️Depends / use caution

It depends: use a Class K (best) or an ABC extinguisher only for a very small, contained pan fire when you have a clear exit; otherwise smother, evacuate, and call 911.

Why people ask this

In a kitchen grease fire at home, the flames climb fast and instinct says grab the extinguisher. But grease behaves differently than other fires, and the wrong move can spread burning oil. People want to know when an extinguisher helps, what type to use (Class K vs. ABC), and how to do it without splashing hot oil or fanning the fire under a range hood.

When it might be safe

Using a Class K extinguisher on a small, contained stovetop or deep‑fat fryer fire when you have your exit behind you
Using a dry chemical ABC extinguisher only on a very small pan fire, from several feet back, with short, controlled bursts at the base
If the flames are limited to the pan (not the cabinets or hood) and you can turn off the burner without reaching through flames
Positioning yourself 6–8 feet away, aiming low at the base, sweeping side to side while keeping the pan stationary
Stopping immediately if flames push, spread, or approach the cabinets/hood, then evacuating and calling 911

When it is not safe

Using water, wet towels, or ice on burning oil (it will splatter and can create a fireball)
Spraying an extinguisher so close or so long that you splash or tip the pan
Attempting to fight a fire that’s spreading beyond the pan (cabinets, curtains, or the range hood filters are burning)
Carrying the flaming pan outside or to the sink, or moving it off the burner while it’s on fire
Using an expired, partially discharged, or unfamiliar extinguisher while your exit is blocked

Possible risks

Oil splatter and flare‑ups from high‑pressure discharge, causing burns and spreading fire across the cooktop
Re‑ignition (reflash) if the oil stays above its ignition temperature after discharge
Inhalation of dry chemical powder or CO2 in a small kitchen, causing coughing or disorientation
Powder residue reducing visibility and making floors slippery, increasing fall risk during evacuation
Hidden fire in the range hood/ducts that reignites after you think the fire is out

Safer alternatives

Turn off heat if reachable without going through flames; do not move the pan
Smother with a metal lid or sheet pan; keep covered until the pan is completely cool
Dump baking soda (not flour or sugar) onto a small flame if a lid isn’t available
Use a certified kitchen fire blanket to cover and smother the pan
Evacuate, close the kitchen door if possible, and call 911 if flames spread or you’re unsure

Bottom line

For a small, contained pan fire, a Class K (or cautiously used ABC) extinguisher can work if you have a clear exit and keep your distance. If the fire spreads beyond the pan, the hood is involved, or you’re not fully confident, smother or evacuate and call 911. Never use water or move the burning pan.