How to Put Out Oven Fire Safely

Knowing how to put out an oven fire safely — and crucially, what NOT to do — can be the difference between a minor kitchen incident and a serious emergency. Here's a clear, practical guide.

The Golden Rule: Keep the Door Closed

For most oven fires, the safest and most effective response is to keep the oven door closed, turn the oven off, and wait. A closed oven is essentially a sealed box — the fire consumes the available oxygen and extinguishes itself within minutes. Opening the door feeds the fire with fresh oxygen and can cause it to flare dramatically.

Method 1: Oxygen Starvation (Best for Most Oven Fires)

Do NOT open the oven door
Turn the oven off immediately
Leave the door closed
Wait 10–15 minutes
The fire will typically self-extinguish as oxygen is depleted
Only open the door once you are certain the fire is out and the oven has cooled

Method 2: Baking Soda (For Small Accessible Fires)

If the fire is small and you can safely open the door briefly:

Pour a generous amount of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) directly onto the flames
Baking soda releases CO2 when heated, which smothers the fire
Close the door immediately after applying
Never use flour, sugar, or other kitchen powders — these are flammable and will make the fire worse

Method 3: Fire Extinguisher (For Fires That Don't Self-Extinguish)

If the fire continues after several minutes with the door closed and oven off, use a fire extinguisher:

Use a Class B or B/C rated extinguisher — suitable for grease and electrical fires
Stand back, open the door carefully, aim at the base of the flames
Use the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side

The First Alert Auto5 Fire Extinguisher (UL Rated 5-B:C) is compact and suitable for kitchen use. Keep it accessible in the kitchen — mounted on a wall away from the oven so it's reachable even if the oven area is involved in the fire.

What NEVER to Do

Never use water on a grease fire — water causes burning grease to vaporise explosively, sending a fireball outward. This is the most dangerous mistake you can make.
Never use a damp cloth — same risk as water
Never use flour or sugar — both are combustible and will intensify the fire
Never open the door unnecessarily — oxygen feeds the fire
Never reach into a burning oven

When to Evacuate and Call Emergency Services

Evacuate immediately and call 999 (UK) or your local emergency number if:

The fire spreads beyond the oven
Smoke fills the room rapidly
You cannot control the fire with an extinguisher within 30 seconds
Anyone is injured or overcome by smoke
You smell gas

After the Fire: What to Do Next

Ventilate the kitchen thoroughly — open all windows and doors
Check for carbon monoxide with a CO detector — the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector with Digital Display provides immediate audible and visual alerts
Do not use the oven again until it has been professionally inspected and cleaned
Report the incident to your landlord if renting

Ensure Your Smoke Detector Is Working

A working smoke detector gives you early warning before a fire becomes serious. The First Alert Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm (3-Pack) is reliable and easy to install — test it monthly and replace batteries annually.

Summary

For most oven fires: keep the door closed, turn the oven off, and wait for the fire to self-extinguish. For persistent fires, use a B/C rated fire extinguisher. Never use water on a grease fire. Evacuate and call emergency services if the fire spreads beyond the oven.

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