Q: how do I put out a small kitchen fire?

A: First, don't panic. There's a lot you can do to contain a little fire--i.e., confined to a small area, such as a frying pan, and not smoking.

* If flames shoot up in an oven or microwave immediately turn off the heat, and pull the microwave's plug. Keep the appliance's door closed, too, to deprive the fire of oxygen (its fuel).

* For a stovetop grease fire, remember that oil and water don't mix--oxygen-rich water will actually feed the flames. And a fire extinguisher is, believe it or not, a bad idea: The force of the discharge can actually spread the burning grease. Instead, smother a grease fire by either sliding a lid over the pan or dumping in a full box of baking soda.

* Although they're not safe for burning grease, fire extinguishers are great for snuffing out burning oven mitts, dish towels or a curtain edge. You want a general purpose ABC-class extinguisher--about $20 at any hardware store. To operate it, remember the word PASS:

Pull the pin (and release the lock).

Aim low.

Squeeze the lever slowly.

Sweep the spray from side to side.

But if the room starts to fill with smoke, call the fire department, and get out fast.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

COPYRIGHT 2005 Vegetarian Times, Inc. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning