Grease fires can easily be avoided by keeping up with routine maintenance of the grill. If you are wondering if you can you use a grill after an unexpected grease fire, this article will help!
Can You Use A Grill After Grease Fire?
After the unexpected fire occurs, wait until the grill is completely cooled down. Once cool, grab a bucket full of water along with washing detergent. Wash the grill thoroughly, as it should be filthy after a fire of any magnitude. After a thorough wash, it’s suggested to dry the area with a paper towel, followed by seasoning the grill with vegetable oil. This includes the grill grates, using a smooth cloth or paper towel.
The smooth cloth is used to oil the grill completely, which is necessary for proper upkeep. Next, heat the grill while closing the lid for at least 10-20 minutes. Prepare your food for grilling, open the lid and carefully place the food in position.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grease Fires
These are some of the most common questions asked about grill grease fires.
Will A Grease Fire Ruin A Grill?
A grease fire can cause your grill to explode, causing injuries and damage to your home. Again, grease fires are rare, but it’s suggested to always stay nearby whenever cooking with the grill.
What Do You Do After A Grease Fire?
Turn off the grill’s burners only if you are able to safely reach the knobs on your grill. Next, remove the food from the grill and smother the area by throwing sand, kosher salt or baking soda over it. Close the lid and any grill vents to starve the fire of oxygen.
How Do Grease Fires Start?
Grease fires will happen when your cooking oil becomes too hot. During the heating process, oil will start to boil, then smoke, eventually catching on fire. Typically, the oil won’t catch fire immediately once it starts smoking. Smoke, though, is a clear warning sign that the oil could catch fire.
Can A Grass Grill Explode?
Yes, a gas grill can explode if propane or natural gas is allowed to build up inside and around the grill, while subsequently ignited. A propane tank can explode if it is exposed to extremely high temperatures. However, when taking proper safety precautions, gas grills are safe overall.
How Common Are Grease Fires?
Of the 16,000 cooking fires per year, nearly two-thirds began with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Oftentimes, these fires are ignited by grease, according to CementAnswers.
Does Salt Put Out Grease Fires?
Salt can smother the fire, along with covering the grill with a lid. Baking soda can chemically extinguish the fire. You’ll need a decent amount of salt and baking soda to put out the fire. Refrain from using flour or baking powder to extinguish the flames.
Does Flour Put Out Grease Fires?
NEVER attempt to use flour to extinguish a grease fire.
What Causes Grease Fires?
Heat, oxygen and fuel are commonly referred to as the “fire triangle.” When the chemical reaction aka the fourth element is added in, you’ll have the actual fire. Just remember the fire requires all four parts, so if you take away any of the four, the fire will be extinguished.
How To Put Out A Grease Fire On A Grill
In most cases, it is the grill that is causing the fire, not your cooking skills or technique. Typically, gas grills will feature a removable drip pan underneath the burner. This is where any liquids that come out of the food during cooking will be caught. Whenever these pans remain neglected, they eventually fill up with flammable fats that can become fuel igniting a potential fire.
Here are the steps to take when attempting to put out a grease fire:
- First, you always need to be prepared for this hazardous situation. Keep your cell phone within reach at all times just in case you have to make an emergency call.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, baking soda, sand or kosher salt, and gloves within reach, as well.
- Turn off the grill’s burners if you cannot safely reach the knobs on your grill.
- Remove the food and smother the flames by throwing sand, kosher salt or baking soda atop it.
- Close the lid as well as any vents. This will starve the fire of much-needed oxygen.
- If the propane tank has become part of the fire, immediately leave the area. Call your local fire department as soon as possible.
- If the fire only intensifies while you are trying to put it out, leave the area and call the fire department.
- A fire extinguisher should be used only as a last resort. The use of the fire extinguisher will permanently ruin your grill.
One Last Tip: Never use water to put out a flare up or grease fire. Water will only exacerbate the situation by spreading the oil, which will increase the size of the fire. Use of water can also crack your grill’s porcelain-enamel finish.
How To Prevent A Grease Fire On A Grill
Of course, the best way to deal with a grease fire or any sort of flare up is by avoiding this scenario in the first place. Here are a few tips on how to avoid any flare ups or fires:
- Regularly clean your grill, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Grease can pool in the fire box area located near the burners. If safe to do so, turn off the gas and leave the lid open. This will allow some grease to burn off.
- Always cook with the lid down.
- Only oil the food, not the grates.
- If any flare up begins, move the food to a warming rack immediately with long-handled tongs.
- Re-place the food at the center of the grill to let fat burn off.
Conclusion
While grease fires are unusual, they can happen unexpectedly. With proper care of the grill, though, these fires should be prevented. Just remember to never leave your grill unattended whenever you are cooking with fire.
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