What to Do If Oven Catches Fire

An oven fire is frightening — but knowing exactly what to do in the first few seconds can prevent a small kitchen fire from becoming a serious emergency. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide for what to do if your oven catches fire.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Don't Open the Door

Your first instinct may be to open the oven door to see what's happening — resist this. Opening the door feeds the fire with oxygen and can cause it to flare up dramatically. Keep the door closed.

Step 2: Turn Off the Oven Immediately

Turn the oven off at the dial or control panel. For electric ovens, this cuts the heat source. For gas ovens, this stops the gas supply to the burner. If you can safely reach the circuit breaker or gas shutoff, use it.

Step 3: Keep the Door Closed and Wait

With the oven off and door closed, most small oven fires will extinguish themselves within a few minutes as the oxygen inside is consumed. Do not open the door until you are certain the fire is out and the oven has cooled significantly.

Step 4: If the Fire Doesn't Go Out

If smoke continues to pour from the oven after several minutes with the door closed and oven off:

• Use a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires (Class B/C) — aim at the base of the flames if you must open the door
• Never use water on a grease fire — it causes the fire to explode outward violently
• If the fire is spreading beyond the oven, evacuate immediately and call emergency services

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

Step 5: Ventilate After the Fire Is Out

Once the fire is confirmed out and the oven has cooled, open windows and doors to ventilate smoke from the kitchen. Do not use the oven again until it has been inspected and cleaned.

Step 6: Check for Carbon Monoxide

Oven fires, especially in gas ovens, can produce carbon monoxide. If you have a CO detector and it alarms, evacuate immediately and call emergency services. The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector with Digital Backlit Display provides audible and visual alerts — essential protection for any kitchen with a gas appliance.

Step 7: Have the Oven Inspected Before Using Again

After any oven fire, have the appliance inspected by a qualified engineer before using it again. Internal components may have been damaged, and using a damaged oven can be dangerous.

When to Call Emergency Services

Call 999 (UK) or your local emergency number immediately if:

• The fire spreads beyond the oven
• You cannot control the fire with an extinguisher
• Anyone is injured
• The smoke is thick and filling the room
• You smell gas after the fire

Prevention: The Best Strategy

• Clean the oven regularly to prevent grease build-up
• Never leave the grill unattended
• Use a baking tray to catch drips from roasting meat
• Don't overfill dishes that may bubble over
• Ensure your smoke detector is working — the First Alert Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm (3-Pack) provides reliable early warning

Summary

If your oven catches fire: don't open the door, turn the oven off immediately, and wait for the fire to self-extinguish. If it doesn't go out, use a kitchen fire extinguisher. Never use water on a grease fire. Evacuate and call emergency services if the fire spreads.