Can you use water to extinguish a grease fire?

Using water on a grease fire is highly dangerous and can cause the fire to spread rapidly. Grease fires occur when cooking oils or fats reach their ignition point, and water, when thrown onto such a fire, can cause the burning grease to splatter and create a larger fire. When water is introduced to an oil fire, it rapidly vaporizes and expands because of the temperature difference. This violent reaction can propel burning oil in all directions, increasing the fire's intensity and risk of injury.

Understanding this risk is essential for fire safety, as it informs the correct response to different types of fires. Instead of using water, it's advised to smother a grease fire with a lid or a pan, use a fire extinguisher rated for grease or chemical fires, or employ baking soda as a fire suppressant. Engaging in these alternative methods ensures a more controlled response, reducing the chances of causing a more severe fire incident.