With more Utah families spending time at home and cooking more often, it’s more important than ever to take steps to prevent kitchen fires. At Alpine Cleaning and Restoration Specialists, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in fire-related calls—especially during the winter months and holidays when indoor cooking spikes.
We’re here to help you protect your home and family with these expert tips for preventing grease fires and knowing exactly what to do if one occurs. Whether you live in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Logan, or any nearby Utah community, these safety guidelines could make all the difference.
Keep reading to learn how to prevent kitchen fires, what to do if one starts, and how our Utah-based restoration team can help you recover quickly and safely.
Why Grease Fires Are So Common in Utah Homes
Grease fires occur when oil gets too hot while cooking. They can ignite without warning, and in seconds, flames can engulf your kitchen. Cold weather, family gatherings, and holiday meals often lead to more indoor cooking, which increases the risk.
As a Utah fire damage restoration company, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly these fires can escalate—and how preventable many of them are.
Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips for Utah Homeowners
1. Never Leave Food Unattended
The leading cause of kitchen fires in Utah is unattended cooking. If you need to step away—even for a moment—turn off the stove or set a timer to remind you. Staying near your cooking area is the best way to prevent a fire from starting.
2. Be Cautious With Oil and High Heat
Every stove heats differently, especially in older Utah homes. Avoid cooking with grease on high heat. Always heat oil slowly and monitor it closely. If you notice it starting to smoke, remove it from the heat immediately.
What Not To Do During a Grease Fire
Many homeowners make mistakes that make grease fires worse. Avoid these common errors:
- Don’t use water – Water can cause burning oil to splatter, spreading flames and potentially causing serious injury.
- Avoid using a wet towel – This can splash the grease and worsen the situation.
- Don’t move the pan outside – Carrying a flaming pan through your home could spill hot grease on floors, carpets, or even on yourself.
What To Do If a Grease Fire Starts
1. Turn Off the Burner
If it’s safe to do so, immediately cut off the heat source. But don’t expect the flames to stop instantly—grease stays hot even after the stove is off.
2. Cover the Fire with a Lid
Use a metal lid or baking sheet to smother the flames. This cuts off the fire’s oxygen supply. Don’t remove the lid until the pan has cooled completely.
Never use a glass lid—they can shatter from the heat.
3. Use Baking Soda on Small Fires
Only use baking soda—not baking powder—to smother very small grease fires. Keep a box near the stove just in case.
4. Use a Class B Fire Extinguisher
If the fire is too large, use a Class B or multipurpose fire extinguisher. Every Utah kitchen should have one. Spray from a safe distance, and once flames are out, turn off the heat and cover the pan.
5. Call 911
Even if the fire looks like it’s out, call the fire department. Fires can reignite, and it’s better to have professionals ensure the area is safe.
How to Recover from Kitchen Fires in Your Home
Once the fire is out, there’s often damage left behind—scorched ceilings, soot-covered walls, and lingering smoke odors. That’s where we come in.
Alpine Cleaning and Restoration Offers:
- 24/7 emergency fire damage cleanup across Utah
- Smoke odor removal and soot cleanup
- Restoration of floors, ceilings, and cabinetry
- Help navigating your insurance claim
Whether your home is in Weber County, Davis County, Cache Valley, or another part of Northern Utah, our certified fire restoration experts can restore your space safely and quickly.
Bounce Back from Kitchen Fires—Restore Your Home and Peace of Mind
Even a small kitchen fire can be traumatic—but it doesn’t have to leave a lasting impact. At Alpine Cleaning and Restoration Specialists, we help Utah homeowners recover from fire and smoke damage every day with fast, reliable, and compassionate service.
From charred walls and ceilings to lingering smoke odors and damaged flooring, our experienced restoration team knows exactly how to clean, repair, and restore your home to its pre-fire condition. We’ve worked with families throughout Utah—from Logan and Layton to Salt Lake City and Provo—providing the highest quality fire damage restoration services available.
If you’ve experienced a kitchen or grease fire in your Utah home, don’t face the cleanup alone. Call Alpine Cleaning and Restoration for a free assessment, and let us take care of the damage while you focus on what matters most—your family’s safety and peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule your free fire damage consultation and get the help you need, fast and efficient.
Even a small kitchen fire can be traumatic—but it doesn’t have to leave a lasting impact. At Alpine Cleaning and Restoration Specialists, we help Utah homeowners recover from fire and smoke damage every day.