Grease Fires Explained: Causes, Risks, and Prevention Tips

How Do Kitchen Grease Fires Start?

Grease fires are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in both homes and restaurants across Atlanta. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 50% of kitchen fires begin with grease buildup. At Kitchen Kings, we help Atlanta kitchens stay safe by preventing grease fires through professional hood cleaning and fire suppression services.

What Causes a Grease Fire?

Grease fires start when cooking oils, butter, or lard become overheated and ignite. This can happen quickly—especially when frying or sautéing—if the oil begins to smoke and reaches its flash point. Grease fires can also occur when frozen foods are dropped into hot oil, causing splatter and flare-ups.

Once ignited, grease spreads rapidly, splashing onto nearby flammable items like:

• Paper towels

• Dish cloths

• Oven mitts

• Cookbooks

• Aprons

Without proper ventilation and cleaning, grease buildup in your kitchen hood system can become a ticking time bomb.

How Do Grease Fires Start in Ovens?

Grease fires in ovens typically begin when grease spills or splatters accumulate on the oven floor or heating elements. If not cleaned regularly, these residues can ignite during high-heat cooking. Closing the oven door can help contain the fire, but prevention is key.

How to Safely Put Out a Grease Fire

If a grease fire starts in your kitchen, follow these steps:

• Turn off the heat source immediately

• Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet to cut off oxygen

• Use baking soda or salt to smother small flames

• Close the oven door if the fire is inside the oven

• Use a Class K fire extinguisher for commercial kitchens

• Call 911 if the fire spreads or becomes uncontrollabl

• Evacuate the building if necessary

🚫 Never use water on a grease fire—it will cause the fire to spread🚫 Avoid using flour or baking powder—they can ignite🚫 Do not move the burning pan🚫 Avoid glass lids—they can shatter under high heat

How to Prevent Grease Fires in Atlanta Kitchens

The best way to prevent grease fires is through routine hood cleaning and fire suppression system maintenance. At Kitchen Kings, we specialize in:

• NFPA 96-compliant hood cleaning

• Grease removal from ducts, fans, and filters

• Fire suppression system inspections

• Residential and commercial kitchen safety services

Grease buildup in your kitchen exhaust system creates a dangerous environment where heat, airflow, and flammable residue combine. Regular cleaning by certified professionals helps eliminate this risk and keeps your kitchen safe.

Protect Your Atlanta Kitchen with Kitchen Kings

Whether you run a restaurant in Midtown or a food truck in Buckhead, Kitchen Kings is Atlanta’s trusted partner for grease fire prevention and hood cleaning. Our team is IKECA-certified and trained to spot fire hazards before they become emergencies.

📞 Call now for a free hood inspection📧 Email us to schedule your next cleaning✅ Serving Atlanta restaurants and commercial kitchens