When food ignites inside the oven, the flames usually stay contained if you leave the door shut and let the lack of oxygen do its work. Knowing what to do if something catches fire in the oven can mean the difference between a scary moment and a serious house fire.
The good news? Most oven fires are small and easy to control. The bad news? Panic makes people do the wrong thing fast.
Here is exactly how to handle it, step by step.
First Steps When Fire Breaks Out In Your Oven
Your first reaction matters more then anything else. Stay calm and act quickly.
Keep The Oven Door Closed
This is the single most important rule. Do not open the oven door.
Fire needs oxygen. When you shut the door, you cut off the air supply. The flames will usually die down on their own within a minute or two.
Opening the door feeds the fire fresh air. It can also send flames shooting out toward your face and arms.
Turn Off The Oven Immediately
Hit the off button or turn the dial to off. If you have a gas oven, the gas supply stops when you turn it off.
Cutting the heat source helps the fire burn out faster. It also prevents the fire from spreading to nearby cabinets or curtains.
Do Not Use Water
Never throw water on a grease fire or an electrical fire. Water causes grease to splash and spread flames everywhere. It can also cause a nasty steam explosion.
Water and electricity do not mix either. If the fire involves wiring, water puts you at risk of shock.
Keep The Door Shut And Watch
Wait at least 15 to 20 minutes. Do not peek. Do not crack the door open to check.
The fire should suffocate and go out. If it does not go out after a few minutes, or if it grows bigger, call 911 right away.
What To Do If Something Catches Fire In The Oven
Here is a quick action plan you can follow in order.
- Stay calm and do not panic.
- Leave the oven door closed.
- Turn off the oven and any nearby burners.
- If flames are visible through the window and growing, grab a fire extinguisher rated for Class B or C fires.
- If you cannot control it, evacuate everyone and call 911.
- Once the fire is out, keep the oven closed until it cools completely.
Using A Fire Extinguisher Safely
Only use an extinguisher if the fire is small and contained. Stand a few feet away and aim at the base of the flames.
Use a sweeping motion. Do not get too close. If the fire does not go out after one pass, get out and call for help.
Never turn your back on a fire that seems out. It can flare back up.
When To Call 911
Call for help if any of these things happen:
- The fire does not go out after 5 minutes with the door closed.
- Flames are coming out of the oven vents or door seams.
- Smoke is filling your kitchen or home.
- The fire has spread to cabinets, curtains, or walls.
- You feel unsafe or unsure about what to do.
Do not wait too long. A small oven fire can turn into a house fire in under a minute.
After The Fire Is Out: What To Do Next
Once the flames are gone, do not just go back to cooking. There are a few important steps.
Let The Oven Cool Completely
Do not open the door right away. The inside is extremely hot. Wait at least 30 minutes before you even think about opening it.
Opening too soon can let hot grease or embers reignite.
Check For Damage
Look at the oven interior, door seal, and heating elements. If you see cracks, melted parts, or black soot that will not wipe away, the oven may be unsafe to use.
Call a repair technician before you turn it on again. Using a damaged oven can cause another fire or an electrical problem.
Clean Up Properly
Wait until the oven is fully cool. Then wipe away ash and grease with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Do not use harsh chemicals right after a fire. They can react with leftover residue.
Throw away any food that was in the oven. It is not safe to eat.
Ventilate Your Kitchen
Open windows and turn on exhaust fans. Smoke odor can linger for days. A bowl of white vinegar left out overnight can help absorb the smell.
How To Prevent Oven Fires In The Future
Most oven fires are preventable. A few simple habits go a long way.
Clean Your Oven Regularly
Grease and food crumbs build up over time. They are the main fuel for oven fires. Wipe down the oven every few weeks and do a deep clean every few months.
Use The Right Pans And Racks
Do not put foil or plastic containers directly on the oven floor. Use a baking sheet under greasy foods to catch drips.
Stay In The Kitchen
Never leave food cooking unattended. If you must step away, turn off the oven first. Most oven fires start when people walk away.
Keep Flammables Away
Do not store oven mitts, towels, or paper products near the stove or oven. Keep curtains tied back.
Install A Fire Extinguisher
Keep a Class B or C extinguisher in your kitchen. Check the pressure gauge every few months. Replace it if it is low.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms give you early warning. Test them monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
People make the same errors during oven fires. Do not be one of them.
- Opening the oven door to see what is happening.
- Throwing water or flour on the flames.
- Carrying a burning pan outside.
- Waiting too long to call 911.
- Turning the oven back on before it is checked.
Flour might seem like a good idea, but it can explode when it hits an open flame. Water makes grease fires worse. Carrying a burning pan can spread fire across your home.
Final Thoughts
An oven fire is scary, but it is usually manageable. The key is to stay calm, keep the door shut, and cut off the heat. Never open the door and never use water.
If the fire grows or does not go out, get everyone out and call 911. Your safety comes first. Everything else can be replaced.
Keep your oven clean, stay in the kitchen while cooking, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Those small habits prevent most oven fires before they ever start.