What is the recommended method for extinguishing a grease fire?

Using a Class K fire extinguisher or covering a grease fire with a metal lid is the recommended method for extinguishing such fires due to the unique properties of grease fires. Grease fires occur when cooking oils or fats ignite, and they can burn at very high temperatures.

Class K fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve cooking oils and fats. They use potassium acetate, which effectively cools the fire while also creating a barrier that prevents the fire from reigniting. Moreover, covering the fire with a metal lid serves to smother it, cutting off the oxygen supply needed for combustion, thus helping to extinguish the flames safely.

Using water on a grease fire can lead to dangerous circumstances, as water can cause the burning grease to splatter, spreading the fire and making the situation worse. Baking soda can help in small quantities under certain circumstances, but it is not a reliable method for managing a grease fire. Letting the fire burn out on its own is also extremely risky, as it may cause a larger fire that could escalate beyond control. Therefore, the safest and most effective approach to extinguishing a grease fire involves using a Class K extinguisher or smothering it with a suitable cover.