If fats or oils are heated above their smoke point, they can ignite and cause a grease fire. — Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
No matter what time of year it is, there are always festivities and when you're cooking a lot, that can increase the risk of fat catching fire.
There is a risk of fire when handling hot oils and fats, so try to always keep an eye on your cooking, and use a cooking timer.
"Many amateur cooks underestimate the dangers of the hob and oven. They turn the hobs up too high, get distracted while they're cooking or don't react correctly if a fire breaks out," says Hermann Dinkler, a specialist in fire and explosion protection. He provides a list of tips on how to avoid fat fires in the kitchen.
Causes of grease fires
Grease fires occur when fats or oils are heated above their smoke point and ignite. "Fats and oils can self-ignite when heated to high temperatures. So don't heat oil or fat to such an extent that it starts smoking," says Dinkler.
Watch for fat explosions
Never extinguish burning fat with water as the water suddenly evaporates with an explosion. Burning fat droplets fly into the air and can cause severe burns.
Preventing grease fires
To prevent grease fires, observe the following tips:
- Keep your kitchen clean and dry as oil and water residues can help cause a grease fire.
- Do not overheat oil or fat, and pay attention to the smoke point of the oil or fat you are using.
- Do not leave the pot or pan unattended. If you have to leave the kitchen, switch off the hob.
- Do not leave children unattended in the kitchen when cooking with hot oil or fat.
Bear in mind also that if you don't store your oils and fats properly, they can oxidize more easily and therefore catch fire, say German specialists. So there is a greater risk of a grease fire if you are using older oil from a bottle that has already been opened. – dpa
